Decoding France's Post-Study Work Visa for Indian Students

Forget the standard 12-month post-study visas offered elsewhere; France is quietly becoming one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for international students. Thanks to the special bilateral agreement signed in 2015, France offers Indian Master’s graduates a temporary residence permit - the APS Visa!  

This visa is allotted for up to 24 months, that is, two full years!

This is almost double the initial time offered by other leading European countries. You are not just gaining a degree from France, you are also getting a generous two-year head start to secure a high-skilled, high-paying career and establish your life in the heart of Europe.

Let us walk through everything you need to know about turning your French Master's into a meaningful career, starting with the crucial Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) permit.

Your Post-Study Lifeline: The APS Visa

The Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) or Temporary Residence Permit is your ticket to staying in France after graduation. Think of it as breathing room to find your footing in the French job market.

Here's what makes it special: you don't need a job offer to apply. You just need your degree and the drive to make it work.

Who's eligible?

• You must be an Indian citizen
• You need a Master's degree or Professional Bachelor's (Licence Professionnelle) from a recognized French university 
• You must have held a valid student visa (VLS-TS) during your studies
• Apply before your student visa expires, or within four years of graduation if applying from India ​

What can you do on an APS?

Indian graduates get 12 months initially, renewable once for a total of 24 months. During this time, you can:

• Search for full-time work, freelance, or even start your own business. 
• Work part-time (up to 964 years per year, or 20 hours per week) while job hunting.

From Graduate to Professional

The real goal is to convert your APS into a long-term work permit. The most direct route for qualified graduates is the Passeport Talent (Talent Passport) residence permit, specifically the ‘Qualified Employee’. Once you land a job in your field with a salary of at least €2,650 gross per month (about 1.5 times minimum wage), you can apply to switch your status directly from France.

Crucial 2025 Update: France has simplified and lowered the salary threshold for this category.

Once you land a job in your field that meets the 39,582 gross annual salary threshold, you can easily apply to switch your status directly from France. One important thing to consider at this stage is your end-of-studies internship. Many students successfully convert their internship to a full-time role, either a CDI (Permanent Contract) or CDD (Fixed-Term Contract). 

The 5-Year Alumni Visa: What It Really Means

You may have heard about a "5-year work visa" for Indian students. Let's clear up the confusion.

This is a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa, not a work permit. It's designed for Indian alumni with a Master's degree or higher who spent at least one semester in France.

What does it offer?

• Visa-free travel to France and the Schengen zone for business or leisure
• Maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period
• No need to reapply for tourist visas for five years

It is a fantastic benefit for keeping the door open for networking, conferences, and professional visits long after you graduate, but it does not grant the right to live and work full-time in France.

How France Stacks Up Globally

Let's be real, you've probably considered Canada, the UK, or Germany too. Here's how France compares:

France’s strength lies in its lower public university tuition fees, the generous 24-month APS for Indian nationals, and a direct path to Passeport Talent with an increasingly accessible salary threshold.

Real Talk: The Challenges

• Language Matters: While many Master's programs are taught in English, French fluency (ideally B1/B2) gives you a massive advantage in the job market, especially for roles outside of Berlin-style English-speaking startups.  Use your APS time to take immersion courses. Even conversational French shows employers you're serious about integrating.
• Networking is Everything: The French job market values relationships. Attend career fairs, connect with alumni, and use platforms like APEC (Association Pour l'Emploi des Cadres). Your university's career center is your best friend here.
• Start Paperwork Early: Gather your documents, degree certificate, passport copies, and proof of residence at least three months before your student visa expires. Processing times vary by prefecture, but early preparation saves stress.

Your French Dream is Within Reach

France isn't just selling you a degree, it's offering you a genuine shot at building a European career. The 24-month APS gives you real time to find the right role, not just any role. And with the 5-year alumni visa keeping the door open for years to come, France is betting on you long-term.

The opportunities are real. The question is: are you ready to seize them?