Does France offer a two-year work visa after studies for a Master's?
Yes, France offers Master's graduates a 24-month post-study residence permit, the APS or RECE, rather than a separate work visa. It lets you work full-time in France while job hunting or starting a business, then convert to a standard work permit once you secure a qualifying job offer.
You do get a genuine two-year window to stay and work in France after your Master's, though it is technically a residence permit rather than a standalone work visa. This permit lets you work full-time while you search for a role that matches your qualifications.
How the Post-Study Permit Works
| Detail | What Applies to You |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour, now called Carte de sejour recherche d'emploi ou creation d'entreprise (RECE) |
| Duration | 24 months for Master's degree holders |
| Work rights | Full-time work permitted during the permit period |
| Eligibility | Degree must confer the grade de master or an equivalent RNCP Level 7 qualification |
Moving From the Permit to a Long-Term Work Visa
- Apply for the RECE permit before your student residence permit expires, ideally a couple of months ahead of time.
- Use the two years to secure a job offer or launch a business, since the permit itself is only a bridge, not a final status.
- Once you have a qualifying offer, apply for a changement de statut into a Salarie work permit or the Talent Passport track.
- Confirm the job aligns with your field of study and meets the relevant salary threshold before you apply for the switch.
My Advice
Mark your student permit expiry date now and set a reminder to file your RECE application two to three months before it lapses, since a lapse in status creates avoidable complications. Start your job search in parallel with your final semester rather than after graduation, so you are not racing the clock on your 24-month window.
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