This article is about the French job search or Business Creation “RECE visa application experience at VFS Global Hyderabad in India. It was shared by “Sakuntala”. The article has been published with her permission, along with a few important additional information.
If you would like to contribute with articles about your personal experiences, feel free to write to me at the following email contact@prasanthragupathy.com
Who can apply for a RECE Visa ?
This long-stay visa is available to students who had graduated with a Master’s degree from a nationallly recognized institution in France and left the country. They must apply within four years of their graduation and the visa allows them to search for a job or create a company in France.
For a detailed explanation about this topic, you can read the following article APS: French Job Search Or Business Creation Resident Permit
Note: Your Master’s degree must be available in one of the following 2 databases.
- RNCP is a national register for professional certifications managed by France Competences, under the authority of the French Ministry in charge of vocational training. You can search for your degree on the www.francecompetences.fr website.
- MS Mastère Spécialisé or MSc – Master of Science degree from registered colleges & universities on CGE database.
- Here is the list of courses equivalent to a Master and eligible for the APS.
Application Summary
Sharing her experience of application for the “RECE” visa.
- Masters Graduation Date: 25/11/2020
- Student Visa expiry date: 08/09/2020
- Type of visa applied: Long Stay
- Duration of your stay: Long stay, more than 1 year.
- Why are you making this trip?: Business
- Visa main purpose of stay: Job search / Business creation
- Visa applied at: VFS Hyderabad
- Visa applied on: 15/02/2023
- Fees : around 7500 INR for the visa, around 3000 INR as VFS fees, and around 500 to 700 INR for courier charges including passport home delivery
- Visa received on: 21/02/2023
- Visa processing time: 5 working days
She was issued a P6 VLS-TS visa with the comments “RECH DÉMPLOI” and “CREA ENTREPRISE”. If you have any questions, you can contact the French Embassy and consulates in India in the following article Contact Details Of French Embassy And Consulates In India
Documents submitted at VFS
Here are the various documents submitted by her during the VFS appointment.
- Copy of Online application done via france-visas.gouv.fr
- Copy of Passport
- 2 Photographs
- Copy of Travel Insurance Policy from Bajaj Allianz which cost around 7800 INR (The insurance must cover the visa’s entire validity period (1 year at the most))
- Copy of Flight ticket
- Copy of Hotel Accommodation booking
- Copy of Financial documents supporting a year’s stay in France (all bank statements, sponsor bank statements (if you have a sponsor) along with sponsor identity proof and an affidavit signed by the sponsor saying he/she will support you for your entire stay), your ITR form and your sponsor’s ITR form for the last year) – This is important, in most of the cases visas get rejected due to insufficient funds.
- Cover letter – stating the purpose of your visit. For her, it was a “Job search. But for the “Business Creation” visa, you need to submit your business plan and proof of a project to create a business in an area corresponding to your education training.
- Copy of the Master’s degree from France.
- Copy of the expired French Student visa.
Note:
- Though not mandatory, she had also submitted her work experience letters before her Master’s in France.
- Also, she submitted all the documents that she had as a Student, like Attestation des droits, her residence proof, CAF receipt, and OFII acknowledgment.
- All originals have to be presented during the appointment. VFS retains only the photocopies.
- Apostilled documents are only required after reaching France.
OFII process after reaching France
The P6 VLS-TS visa is a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) that allows you to come to France, stay here, and allows you to look for a job or create a business.
However, it must validated online within 3 months of your arrival via the ANEF website. You can find a detailed explanation of this process in the following article Should I Validate My Long-Stay Visa Or Do I Have To Apply For A Residence Permit Directly?.
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Sources & References
- Frequently Asked Questions about French Visas – france-visas.gouv.fr
- Job Search – Business Creation – france-visas.gouv.fr
- APS: French Job Search Or Business Creation Resident Permit – prasanthragupathy.com
- FAQ: APS – French Job Search Or Business Creation Resident Permit – prasanthragupathy.com
Hello Sir,
I just graduated from a french business school. I had to leave France and come back to India as my visa got expired. Now Iam planning to apply for APS as I want to work and build my career in France.
I researched a lot about applying for APS from India and your article about the same was the only support I got. I don’t know about the finacial requirements and about how much money I will have to show in my account and I’m clueless about how the procedure should be done from India. I’m so confused and afraid as there is no one who could lead the way and its getting too late for the application. Could you please help me in this situation
Hello,
You can find all the details about submitting an APS application in the following 2 articles
https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/
https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/02/vfs-french-job-search-or-business-creation-visa-application-experience-hyderabad/
Hello Prashanth, thank you so much for your blog! It is so helpful! Can you please share with me the exact insurance you applied for? My APS visa was rejected stating I need an “expat” insurance, while I submitted the travel insurance we use for student visa.
Hello Joohi,
It’s not a travel insurance but a full health insurance with coverage of minimum 30k€. Please refer to my detailed explanations in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/faq-which-travel-insurance-for-long-stay-visitor-visa/
A never applied for APS from outside France because it a last resort option & it resets the immigration history counter for French nationality, etc.
Hey Prasanth,
Hope you are doing well. So i have a query to ask. I have completed my Masters from ESC Rennes SB and the course was from 2022 – 2024. I got my Diploma in 2024 Feb. Initially when i was applying i got an Etudiant VISA for 1 year. I then applied for an Extension/Prolongation which i received till November 2024. I came back to india in 2023 May due to my grandmother’s demise and never went back to france. I have attached BAJAJ ALLIANZ health insurance for 365 Days.
Travelling date – 3rd April and the policy was starting from 1st April.
Please guide as i do not wish to waste more time for the same.
I read all your articles as i wanted to apply for APS from india but my VISA got rejected yesterday Stating –
Subject: Notification of refusal to issue a long-stay visa for job search or business creation
File references: N°: FRA1NEXXXXXXX Name: MEHUL BHARDWAJ
Date: 27/02/2025
First name: MEHUL BHARDWAJ
Text references:
• Article L. 312-1 A of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA)
• Article L. 422-14 of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA)
Referring to the above-mentioned texts, I would like to inform you that I have refused to issue you with the visa you have applied for on the following grounds: You do not prove that you have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in France.
Other remarks: You can contest this decision before the Cox 1, in an Appeal against the decisions of Refusal of Visa entry into France, BP 83609, 44036 Nantes cedex 1, stun pn period of thirty days from the date of the notcalion
Referral to this commission is a practising cblgatoro d foylegsurs conlentieux
Postmark
Date and signature of the data subject (or their representative)
Date and signature of the author of the decision (head of post or staff member who has been delegated)
On 28/02/2025.
I am a little worried because i wish to go back as i am getting notifications from good companies but due to no work VISA/APS i am unable to beging with the recruitment process. Please Guide.
Hello Mehul, Sorry to learn about the APS visa rejection. But, It could have been easily avoided. So, I have a couple of questions about the application.
1. Do you have a valid French SSN?. If yes, Did you submit a valid Attestation des droits document downloaded from Ameli website?. If you have read my articles, you might have seen this article too https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/
2. Did you submit a travel or health insurance?. More details in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/faq-which-travel-insurance-for-long-stay-visitor-visa/
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hi Prasanth Sir,
Hope you’re doing well!
I’m a bit unsure about the best steps to take in my current situation and would really appreciate your guidance.
I’m from India and I completed my Master’s degree in France in October 2024 and recently started a CDD contract with a company in May 2025. I am currently on a Titre de Séjour – Étudiant and need to apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to be able to work full-time.
Could you please advise on the best course of action:
Should I apply for a change of status online via this portal?
https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/
Or should I apply for the APS directly in the Paris prefecture using this link?
https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/prefecture-de-police-de-paris-ressortissants-etran
Additionally, I’ve just moved from Lyon (69009) to Paris (75002) for this job. My new rental lease in Paris (92230) only begins on May 30, 2025. Given that, is it still advisable to apply through the Paris prefecture, or should I wait until the lease starts? (I am currently staying at my friend’s place)
Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
Best regards,
Tarun
Hello Tarun,
If I was in your situation, I will apply for APS. More details in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/
Application: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/
Please apply at the Prefecture related to your current address proof. More details in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/07/address-proof-documents-for-resident-permits-justificatif-de-domicile/
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hi Prasanth Sir,
Thank you so much for your reply! Since my rental lease starts from this month end, and I’m currently staying with a friend, can I still submit my rental lease document for my APS application or is better to submit the certficate of my host?
Looking forward to your reply.
Thank you again!
Best Regards,
Tarun
Hello Tarun,
This article is about an APS visa application from India. For your situation, please refer to https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/
Regarding the accommodation, you can only submit what is officially valid at the time of application submission. For your current situation, please refer to 3. Staying with someone (family, friend, etc.) in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/07/address-proof-documents-for-resident-permits-justificatif-de-domicile/
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
I recently graduated and am currently working under a CDD contract, which was converted from my internship. However, my titre de séjour étudiant expired in April 2025.
I applied for an autorisation de travail, but it was rejected. They advised me to apply for a change of status from titre de séjour étudiant.
I’m still quite confused about the next steps. Could you please guide me on what I should do now?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hello Anoushka,
These are unnecessary situations and could have been easily avoided. I have covered these topics in detail on,
1. APS guide: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/
2. https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/work-resident-permits-after-graduating-in-france/
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
Hi Prasanth,
I found your blog extremely helpful — thank you for sharing such clear insights on the French visa process.
I recently applied for the APS job search visa but unfortunately received a rejection. The reasons mentioned were:
“Les informations communiquées pour justifier l’objet et les conditions du séjour envisagé sont incomplètes et/ou ne sont pas fiables.”
(The information provided to justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay is incomplete and/or unreliable.)
“Vous ne justifiez pas être titulaire d’une assurance maladie adéquate pour la durée de votre séjour en France.”
(You have not demonstrated that you hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in France.)
A bit about my background — I completed my Master’s in Aeronautics from École Centrale de Lille and ISAE-ENSMA in 2021. Later, I enrolled in a PhD in France, which I left midway in February 2024 to return to India for a job opportunity. I applied for the APS visa in May 2025 and am now planning to reapply in August.
Could you kindly help me understand:
Am I still eligible to apply based on my 2021 degree (finished in October 2021)?
What key documents or changes should I ensure in my reapplication to avoid rejection?
Any suggestions for valid health insurance and financial proof acceptable to the consulate?
I’d greatly appreciate any guidance you can offer. Thanks again for your informative posts!
Hello Indra,
Sorry to learn about your APS visa rejection. But it could have been avoided, if you had checked my detailed explanations in the article https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/
Please correct the errors and reapply.
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Dear Prasanth,
I hope you are doing well.
I just had a small question regarding the APS. If I apply for APS from India, will it be granted for one year, and is it possible to extend it for another year (i.e., 1+1)?
Looking forward to your response.
Hello Kumar,
Yes because the renewal happens in France and the same rules apply for APS RECE obtained in France or India.
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
Dear Prasath,
A Person who left from France after studies can apply for APS from India (within the 4-year window after graduation) can get a 2-year APS (1+1) like the students who apply from France?
Or is it just a single 1-year authorization overall when applying from India?
Hello Sai,
The APS RECE visa applied from India can be renewed in France for 1 more year. So, the APS RECE renewal rules are the same becasue of the Indo-French bilateral agreement.
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hello Prasanth,
I hope you are doing well. Your blogs have been very helpful.
My question is: I currently have no ongoing process for APS/RECE in France but it has been rejected twice before. My residence permit is expiring soon (23 nov 2025) and I have a prolongation until 22 Jan 2026. If I return to India before the prolongation expires, can I apply for an APS Job search or Business creation visa in India? Or is there a chance it might get rejected if I apply from India since I have already applied here before? For more context, I have explained my situation in detail below.
I currently live in Lille but I did my MS in Toulouse. My current residence permit is expiring on 23rd November 2025. I tried to apply for my APS in préfecture du nord on 8 October but they rejected my request because I did not have my completion certificate for my masters degree, because I hadn’t received the jury validation by then. Hence, they closed my file in lille.
Later, I tried to apply for the APS/RECE at Toulouse on 18th November, since a few people I know did the same thing by arranging an address proof (hosted by a friend). I did so because the processing time in Lille is usually quite long and there is no valid email or phone number to contact them. The application must be sent by post and there is no way of knowing the progress of my file until I receive my APS by post. However, they rejected my request in Toulouse since I do not live in Toulouse. But since my permit is expiring soon, upon requesting them, they agreed to prioritise my request for a prolongation to give me time to apply for my APS in Lille. Hence, they gave me an “ATTESTATION DE PROLONGATION D’INSTRUCTION” until 22 Jan 2026 and closed my file. The notification on my ANEF account is given below:
———-
Your online application for residence permit No. 3101202511181555845 has been closed.
Vous êtes en fin d’études et en attente de l’obtention de votre diplôme/validation de stage ou de soutenance. Une attestation de prolongation vous a été délivrée pour couvrir la période et votre dossier est classé sans suite. Si vous poursuivez votre séjour en France, vous devrez déposer une nouvelle demande de titre de séjour (consultez notre site Internet pour connaître les modalités : http://www.haute-garonne.gouv.fr/etrangers).
Regards,
The Processing Agent
Ministry of Interior
———
Since the processing time for APS applications in Lille can be quite long and indefinite, I prefer going back to India and returning to France with a valid job search visa if it is possible, instead of being stuck here until they process my file in Lille. I only have 2 months before my prolongation expires. Please suggest what I can do.
Thank you in advance.
Hema
Hello Hema,
Getting the APS RECE in France should be the 1st option. Yes, there are delays but CdS étudiant to APS RECE is a standard process and you have 2 months.
You can also apply for APS RECE visa from India but it means resetting your French immigration history counter to zero. So, Its a last option.
So, please make an informed decision. Pesonally, I would apply inside France and thats exactly what I did after graduation.
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hi Prasanth,
Thanks a lot for running this blog!
I’m soon (around 15th December 2025) going to apply for an APS from Mumbai, and my current student Visa (Titre de sejour) expires around 20th of Jan 2026. I wanted to check on a couple of things
1. In my VFS application, do I have to submit my flight tickets?
2. And do I need to show the hotel booking? Can I not show a letter from a friend willing to host me?
3. Can I apply for this APS now, before my current Visa expires?
Hello Aditya,
I guess you have not seen the article https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/
1. Highly recommended to submit one-way flight ticket.
2. I would avoid a hotel booking and so consider it as a last minute option. Please use one of the following options for a successful visa https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/07/address-proof-documents-for-resident-permits-justificatif-de-domicile/
3. Yeah not a problem but it will reset your immigration history to zero because its a new visa. Ideally, you should be applying for APS RECE from inside France. Anyway, its your choice.
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hi Prasanth , hope you are doing well . I wanted to ask what is the minimum period for accommodation and hotel proof . As you know France can be quite expensive and its extremely difficult to get a house without visa . Any Tips would be great to get accommodation would be greatly appreciated ?
Hello Siddhartha,
The longer the better. If I was in this situation, i wouldn’t submit anything less than 6 months duration.
Cheers,
Prasanth
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Hi Prasanth,
Hope you are doing well.
I am Indian. I applied for my second APS application at Nanterre prefecture(My first one was at nanterre too). My file got accepted on the portal on 16th December 2025 and the messaging part of the portal is closed now which means I cannot send any message regarding my application. However, I did not receive the next message on the portal which indicates the date and time of collection at prefecture.
I have tried sending them emails hoping for a response but nothing has worked out. My current aps visa is going to expire early february around 2 feb.
Could you please help me out?
Thank you so much.