FAQ on APS – French job search or business creation resident permit

Updated on: July 04, 2025

APS (Master) or Carte de séjour – Recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise is a job-search or business creation resident permit given to students, who had graduated from a college or university in France. It allows graduates to gain their first professional experience or create a business activity related to their course.

This article covers the various frequently asked questions (FAQs) on APS. To learn more about APS, you can refer to the article APS : French Job Search Or Business Creation Resident Permit

Q1: After 1+1 (2) years duration of APS Visa. Is it possible to do one more master’s?. Like APS visa to again student visa?

  • Unfortunately, it is not possible. You cannot convert an APS Master or CdS RECE back to a student visa.
  • You can only convert it into a work or business creation-related resident permit or a Ph.D. with PT Chercher.

Q2: While applying for APS from India, Do I need to buy 1-year health insurance to apply for APS from India?.

  • Yes, you need to submit health insurance for 1 year.
  • But, if your French social security rights are still active, you can submit the “attestation des droits” as proof of insurance..

Q3: Can I apply for APS at a different prefecture?.

  • Yes, you can apply APS or CdS RECE at a different prefecture, if you can submit a local address proof.

Q4: I joined a French course after my Masters. Can I apply for APS after completing the French course?.

  • Unfortunately, the answer is No. You are supposed to apply for APS within the same year of graduation.
  • Joining a French course makes you not eligible for APS. So, do not become a victim of misleading advertisements from some private French language schools.
Example of an APS recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise

Q5: I have a query for 1st APS, a CDD or CDI contract is compulsory ?. I mean without a contract we can’t apply for APS ?.

  • APS or CdS RECE is a job-search or business creation resident permit.
  • So, it is independent of any job contracts.

Q6: Can i apply for APS or CdS RECE with just the course completion certificate “attestation de réussite”?.

  • Yes, you can start the application wit an attestation de reussite.
  • But the APS or CdS RECE will be issued only after submitting the final degree.

Q7: Can I work full-time on APS or CdS RECE?.

  • Yes, you can work full-time, if the job is related to your master’s and if the salary is a minimum of 1.5 times SMIC (currently 2,702.70 € since 1st November 2024).
  • If these 2 conditions aren’t satisfied, you can work only part-time for 964 hours per year.
  • A work permit « autorisation de travail » isn’t mandatory to work using APS or CdS RECE.

Q8: Can I do a French language course using APS?

  • Yes, you do it can at any French language institute.
  • However, the language certificate will neither help you extend your APS nor apply for another resident permit.

Q9: Can I do an internship using APS?

  • Yes, if you can get a Convention du Stage.
  • However, you won’t be able to obtain this document from your college or university because it requires a student status.
  • But, you can get it via 3rd part organizations like Fac for ProBeStudentAgain, etc by paying fees of around 200 euros.
  • Many companies might not accept this option and insist on an official student registration from an actual college/university.

Q10: I received my 1st APS in France but left the country after some time. Can I renew the APS  from outside France ?

  • Unfortunately, the renewals of resident permits can only be applied inside France.
  • So, you must submit the renewal application in France.

Q11: With an APS, how long can I stay outside France?

Q12: I have graduated & I have my student resident permit valid for another 6 months?. Should I apply for APS now or later?

  • Irrespective of the remaining validity period on the student resident permit, you should apply for APS or CdS RECE immediately after graduation.
  • Don’t keep waiting until the expiry of the student Carte de Sejour.

Q13:  Should I pay 75€ for APS?

  • The tax stamp of 75€ is not applicable for APS (pink paper).
  • It’s only applicable for Carte de Sejour RECE (card).

Q14: My student resident permit & internship are ending around the same time. How can I apply for APS in this situation?

  • First, you should apply for an extension of your student CdS.
  • So, an extension of 3 months will be provided via an Attestation de prolongation d’instruction.
  • Then, you can apply for APS or Carte de Sejour RECE after graduation.

Q15: Can I travel with APS to other Schengen countries?

  • An APS is a valid resident permit. So, you can travel to all Schengen countries.
  • Also, you can travel to your home country & return to France before it expires.

Q16: How can I renew the APS for the 2nd year?.

Q17: How long does it take to receive the APS or CdS RECE?

  • If it’s offline via an appointment, APS pink paper is usually given on the spot during the appointment. But some Prefectures take anywhere from 2 to 6 months.
  • If it’s applied online, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months.
  • Carte de Sejour RECE usually takes 2 to 6 months because the card has to be fabricated.

Q18: My prefecture issued me a 6 month APS after graduation. Can I renew it again?

  • Indians must receive a 1 year APS after graduation. However, some prefectures issue it for 6 months incorrectly.
  • There is nothing to worry about because it is a simple case of misunderstanding from the agent at your prefecture.
  • You just have to renew it again in 6 months and are also eligible for the 2nd year too.
  • You can avoid this by reminding the agent about the APS rules applicable to Indians and the bilateral agreement.

Q19: Can I convert my APS or CdS RECE back to a Student visa?.

  • Unfortunately, the APS Master or the Carte de Sejour RECE cannot be converted back into a Student Visa.
  • The student visa can only be applied via the French Embassies and Consulates outside France.

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41 thoughts on “FAQ on APS – French job search or business creation resident permit”

    1. Hello Shreyas,
      It depends on the size of the accommodation. 12-14 m2 per person (including the host) is the bare minimum in France, depending on the city.

      If the host is living in a 20m2 studio, he/she cannot issue an attestation d’hebergement for another person.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  1. Hello Prasanth,

    Thank you very much for your response and for sharing the detailed guides on the APS procedure. I truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into compiling such informative resources—it’s been incredibly helpful.

    I have gone through the following articles you kindly shared:

    The APS overview: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/

    Application process: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/

    FAQ section: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/02/faq-aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/

    I’ve also reviewed the full index of topics available on your website. It’s a great reference point!

    That said, I wanted to seek a bit of clarification regarding my specific situation, as I couldn’t find a direct answer to this case in the articles.

    I am currently holding a 6-month APS that expires on July 28, 2025. At the same time, I am receiving France Travail unemployment benefits (ARE), and my rights are open until September 17, 2025.

    I wanted to ask:

    Is there any possibility to extend or renew the APS (even temporarily), considering that I am still receiving ARE support?

    Or is there an alternative process/status I could apply for, to legally remain in France until the end of my France Travail rights?

    I completely understand that you receive many similar queries and try to centralize responses via your blog. If this topic is already covered in another article or comment section, I would be grateful if you could kindly point me in the right direction.

    Thank you again for your time and for the wealth of knowledge you share—it’s really empowering for many of us navigating the French system.

    Warm regards,
    Bhargav

    1. Hello Bhargav,

      APS RECE is a job search or business creation resident permit. So, it can be renewed once (for 2nd year) for Indians and the same is clearly explained in the above articles.

      If you are receiving ARE, it’s not relevant for APS.

      Hope, you find a job soon. https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/work-resident-permits-after-graduating-in-france/

      All the best for you jobsearch.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  2. hi hello, thank you so so much for sharing all the informations, I a non-EU citizen currently hold a valid VLS-TS until 19th August 2025, I am doing a compulsory internship in France until 27th June, and after that I will get my master degree, but my university is in Italy, am I applicable to apply for APS in France? thank you so much in advance!

  3. Hey Prasahant,
    Thank you so much, this was very helpful.
    I have a minor question – my graduation is from Paris and I will be applying APS from Metz. GPT says it raises a red flag since my college and place of residence differ.
    Is this a real issue however, or can I proceed with this? You seem quite an expert on this topic, your guidance would be valuable.
    Please let me know!

    Best,
    Jayati

  4. Hi Prashanth,

    Thanks for the blog and the detailed overview of the APS. I am currently on my APS and am actively looking for roles. I just want to clarify, if I can work immediately on my APS once I secure a CDI that’s 1.5xSMIC on gross basis? What I mean is can I already start my work before my statut changes from APS to titre salarié or passport talent (if i get the 2xSMIC by chance). The HR and my prospective recruiters during my interviews have been asking me if there would be a delay in my joining date because of the changement de statut but I am not entirely sure if I can start immediately or wait for the changement de statut (from APS to titre salarié or Passport Talent). Is there a specific government website that states this as I can show it to them for the next time during my interviews? Thanks a lot in advance.

      1. Hi Prasanth, thanks for the response. Just to clarify, from the HR side, they would just need to check with the prefecture of the workplace location if my APS is valid for the work. Is this enough to start the work?

  5. Hi Prashanth,

    Thank you for your article. It was extremely helpful.

    My situation:
    I recently graduated, but I’m still on a ‘titre de séjour étudiant’, but signed a CDI recently. Can I still apply for APS? Because you mentioned in one of your articles that it’s better to go through Etudiant to APS to Titre Salarié. My contract starts soon on 01/09/2024, and I’m covered by my student permit to work 964 hours until January 2026. So my dilemma is whether to ask my employer to directly apply for a work permit or I go step by step, apply for APS, work for a year or more (Indian graduate- permits me to stay longer in France), and then apply for a work permit maybe in a year and a half? Thank you in advance for your reply 🙂 Have a nice day!

      1. Thank you for your quick response, Prasanth. Super helpful as always!

        I had the opportunity to go through both the pages and comments from the links provided, and I wasn’t able to deduce the answer I was looking for. I wouldn’t want to bother you too much, but in case you have a few thoughts around this, feel free to put them here, and we’ll get the opportunity to refresh this solution for anyone in a similar scenario:).

        1. Hello Subha,

          The 2 articles shared earlier and their comments have everything you need to take an informed decision and the same has been done by 100s of students every year because these questions are very common ones.

          My answers alwys depend on the questions and the info in them. If you need very specific guidance, please provide specific informaton including
          – gross annual salary (brut)?
          – confidence in validating the trial period?
          – validity of your current residence permit?
          – etc etc

          Cheers,
          Prasanth
          PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  6. Hello Prasanth,

    Please allow me to brief my specific situation as follows

    -Gross annual salary is around 1.5*SMIC. Considering the current SMIC is 2801 eur.
    – I don’t have a trial period as I was an intern there before
    – Since my company is hiring me in a residence permit étudiant, they have declared to the prefecture that I am being hired on a student visa and would regularise the situation as best and soon as possible.

    Reason I’m considering applying for APS
    – Gives me a 2-year loophole to look for more jobs in case I get hired (recently, I’ve been seeing a wave of layoffs in the company)
    – APS gives me more flexibility to explore better opportunities.
    – As per you and my Indian peers Student to APS to work permit is direct and easier— No confusion.
    – My current student residence permit expires on 20 January 2026 (4.5 months from now), which could be a bit short for the prefecture to process a work permit application + applying for a Residence permit in case of any delays.
    – If I apply for titre de séjour Salarié directly, I’ll just end up getting 1 year of residence, and if I am still in the same job, then it will be renewed for 4 years. Which I feel is a lot riskier.

    My concern with the prefecture (Lyon):
    – Would they be confused as to why I’m applying for an APS despite holding a contract?
    – Should I provide any additional information to them for a smooth processing of my application?

    What could be the best course of action?

    Thank you for your time in reading this and responding

    1. Hello Subha, In that case you dont have to complicate unnecessarily but keep things simple by submitting an APS application asap.

      1. Would they be confused as to why I’m applying for an APS despite holding a contract?. You can simply submit an APS application as explained in the article. Job contract information is not required.

      2. Should I provide any additional information to them for a smooth processing of my application?. Nothing more or less than what is listed on https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  7. Hello Prasanth,

    My current student visa expires in the first week of February 2026, while my internship runs until the last week of March 2026. Instead of renewing my student visa, I plan to apply for an APS visa.

    Could you confirm whether I would be permitted to continue my internship for the remaining two months under the APS visa?
    The APS visa allows up to 964 working hours per year, which effectively equates to 20 hours per week across the year. Would it be acceptable to communicate this framework to the company as justification for my continued internship eligibility?

    Regards

  8. Hi Prasanth Sir,

    Hope you’re doing well!

    I would like to outline my current situation regarding my residence status and upcoming CDI contract so you can have the full picture.

    Personal background:
    I am an Indian national, born 18 July 1997 in Bhopal, India.
    I have been studying in France and have been on an appropriate residence permit (student visa / titre de séjour “étudiant”).
    I will officially graduate from emlyon business school in October 2025 (Master – Programme Grande École).

    Current residence permit:
    My current titre de séjour is valid until December 2025.
    This permit was initially issued based on my status as a student / intern.
    I have not yet applied for any other residence status.

    Employment history:
    I worked as an intern until February 2025.
    Since February 2025, I have been working on a CDD (fixed-term contract) with my current company in France.

    Future employment:
    My employer has offered me a CDI (permanent contract) starting October 2025.
    The company is ready to support me with the necessary paperwork to maintain work authorisation.

    Key points regarding my immigration status:
    I currently hold a valid residence permit until December 2025, but it is based on my student status.
    I will obtain my final diploma only in October 2025, which may be required for a “Passeport Talent” application.

    I would like to know whether I should:
    Apply for a “changement de statut” from student to salaried employee now (using my CDI offer), or
    Wait until October 2025 to apply for a “Passeport Talent – Salarié Qualifié” after graduation, or
    Apply for another type of work-based residence permit.

    Additional context:
    The prefecture recently closed my initial work permit request, asking me to reformulate it without giving precise feedback.
    My main concern is to ensure uninterrupted legal status and work authorisation in France after my student permit expires.

    Could you please advise on the best course of action for me (e.g., which residence permit to apply for, timing, and required documents) given the CDI offer and my current titre de séjour expiring in December 2025.

    Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
    Best Regards,
    Mihir

    1. Hello Mihir,

      It is a very common situation faced by 1000s of students in France. So, I have written 2 detailed articles on this topic. Check their comments too, for addtional context.
      1. 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

  9. Hello sir, I’m Aaditya. my titre de sejour etudiant expires on 3rd October. I had already applied for Aps and sent all documents by post on 23rd June to Prefecture du Nord – Lille.

    They asked additional documents and I sent them again by post on 5th July. Since then there has been no update regarding my APS application and when I sent emails to the Prefecture, all I get is automatic replies.

    For my friend , he received his APS on 15th September and the Prefecture had already signed his application on 28th August.

    I checked La Poste and asked them whether there’s any post for me from the Prefecture, they told they can’t check without the tracking number.

    How do I contact the Prefecture and get an rendezvous now?

      1. Thank you for your reply Mr.Prashanth. I tried to book an appointment through the rdv link for collecting titre de sejour that we get through SMS.But after that my appointment gets cancelled because they mention that your titre de sejour is not ready and we haven’t sent you any message to collect your titre de sejour

  10. Hi Prashanth Sir,

    Hope you’re doing well!

    I’m currently a student visa (Titre de Sejour) expiring on Dec 21st 2025, and I live in Bagneux. Hence I am trying to apply for my APS visa at the sous préfecture Antony.

    I created an account using Ameli France Connect and filled in my details. It takes me to a pre reservation- renouvellement de titre de sejour ‘immigration professionnelle’ (hors passport talent) page. I filled in all my details but however for the field that says date de fin de validité de votre titre de séjour where I am unable to put in my date of Dec 21. I have been trying since more than a week now and only dates till November are allowed to be selected. Moreover when I type my correct date it throws an error saying “the date should be between Nov 9 and Nov 30”

    Because of this error I am unable to submit my file. What can I do in this case sir?

    Thank you so much in advance!

    Best,
    Jeena

    1. Hello Jeena,

      Some Prefectures insist on the 2 months before expiry date. So, please wait and apply when the system allows.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  11. Hi Prasanth sir,
    I have an ongoing residence permit extension application for the past 2+ months in the Essonnes prefecture. Meanwhile, I have an upcoming APS appointment in Toulouse. Is it possible for me to obtain the APS visa without closing out on the ongoing extension process?
    Thank you for your reply.

    1. Hello Shreyas,
      If I was in this situation, I will collect the APS 1st from Toulouse and then update ANEF/Essonne Prefecture. The ANEF application will be closed.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  12. Hello Prashanth Sir,

    My student visa expires on 27th November 25. The earliest appointment available to me was 9th December which I have booked (Toulouse)

    I have already sent a mail to them regarding this gap. My question is will they have problems processing my application given that my visa will have expired.

    Any information will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanking you in advance.

    1. Hello Aryaman,
      Its normal and so not a problem regarding the APS application because you have tried to do the necessary things before the expiry of your current CdS étudiant. All the best.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

      1. Thank you so much for your helpful reply sir!

        I had just one other query. My l’Assurance Maladie health insurance expired in September. And I don’t have an Ameli account or a vitale card.
        How should I proceed to renew it? Also, if by any chance that is not possible in the timeframe, can I use a private health insurance temporarily till I get my APS?

        Aryaman

        1. Hello Aryaman,
          You can login into your Ameli account and download a new attestation des droits. All the best

          Cheers,
          Prasanth
          PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  13. Hello, I have an APS in France. If I travel to another Schengen country, how can I prove that I am allowed to travel there? Where is it written on my documents?

    1. Hello Sneha,
      An APS RECE is a valid French residence permit and it allows free travel upto 90-days in all schengen countries. Only the recently added Schengen countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, etc might have some issues but it should be Ok after a check by the immigration officials. So, try to have a additonal buffer of 1h when traveling to these countries. FYI https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/07/list-of-schengen-countries-in-europe/

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  14. Hello Prasanth,
    I have completed my masters and am on my 2nd year APS and working in a internship. The company has no full time vacancies now but the company is ready to offer me an 1 year apprenticeship program. Am I eligible to accept this and do this work study program and change my visa? Please let me know. Thanks.

    1. Hello Nandan,
      If you want to contine staying in France: One or before the expiry of your 2nd APS, you must find a job or a PHD or create a proper business activity. Other options are not possible.

      An apprentice must be officially registered as a student in a college and so will need a stduent status. If you want to go via this route, maybe get a new student visa from India because APS to student status is not possible. Feel free to check with your local Prefecture too. https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/08/how-to-contact-the-prefecture-in-your-city/

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  15. Hello Prasanth,

    I have a big doubt about the “Authorisation de travail”. Currently I’m on my APS (2nd year – first 6 months) which will expire on Dec 30, 2025. I have already applied for its renewal (2nd – last 6 months). My question is if I get a job right now, should my employer apply for “Authorisation de travail” before I can start working? Or is the APS enough for me to join soon after signing the contract (given all conditions are covered – job related to Masters and salary 1.5 times SMIC)?? What else should I do before and after joining? And what should the employer do before I join ( and also after I join)?? When should I apply for change of status and how (ANEF or Préfecture ?)
    Looking forward to your reply soon.

    1. Hello Ramy,
      As long the job satisfies the minimum salary conditions and matches your Master’s degree, you can start working full-time on APS.

      But its highly recommended that your employer apply for a work permit (if required) and then you change from APS to Carte de Séjour Salarié. Detailed explanations on https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/work-resident-permits-after-graduating-in-france/

      Note: Please read the other comments too before asking any additional questions.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  16. Hello Prasanth,
    I have a doubt. I got my first APS in May 2025. I am a bit confused if I won’t find a job till it expires, which is in May 2026. Can I apply for the 2nd year APS or not? if yes, how applying for 2nd year work? I am a bit stressed as somewhere it is mentioned you cannot apply for 2nd aps, so I just want to clarify.

    Looking forward to your reply soon.

    1. Hello Akshita,
      This is already explained in detail on APS guide https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/
      An APS RECE is a job-search or business creation residence permit.
      – If you find a job before your 1st APS expiry date: https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/work-resident-permits-after-graduating-in-france/
      – If you do no find a job before your 1st APS expiry date: submit a renewal application https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/11/how-to-submit-an-application-for-aps-or-cds-rece-inside-and-outside-france/

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

  17. Hello Prasanth,

    I would like to seek your advice regarding my current work authorisation in France.

    I hold an APS (1st one) which will expire at the end of Jan 30, 2026. It has been renewed for another year. I am currently working on a CDD with a company in Paris (joined in Nov 2025) and the CDD for the time being is till Jan 30, 2026 as that’s when my current APS will expire. My employer will extend it for another 4-5 months once I receive my 2nd APS.

    My HR team has asked whether we need to apply for a full-time work authorisation/change of status at this stage. My understanding is that I am allowed to work on a CDD under my APS and that applying for a salarie status would make my residence permit dependent on the CDD, meaning I would not fall back on APS coverage if the contract ends and there is no further extension beyond the 4-5 months or CDI.

    Could you please confirm whether continuing to work under my APS is sufficient and compliant, and advice if and when it would make sense to apply for a change of status?
    Also, is there is any restriction on hours on my APS while working on a CDD?

    Thank you very much for you guidance.

    Kind regards

    1. Hello Megha,

      Everything you asked is already explained in the FAQs. So, I’ll skip repeating the same here. Also FYI https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/01/aps-french-job-search-or-business-creation-resident-permit/

      Your 1st APS is expiring soon. So, use the next 1 year in finding a CDI (best) asap or atleast a long CDD. And then apply for the relevant Carte de Séjour explained in https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/09/work-resident-permits-after-graduating-in-france/

      If you keep focusing on the short CDDs, you might end in a complicated situation when the 2nd APS expires.
      All the best.

      Cheers,
      Prasanth
      PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot

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