Job-search or business-creation permit after studies
Par Antonin GAVREL - le vendredi 21 août 2026 - 9 min read
One year to turn your qualification into a career plan
The “job search or business creation” residence permit or VLS-TS allows certain non-European international graduates to remain in France for one year to look for a job or set up a business related to their studies. This permit cannot be renewed.
Algerian students are subject to specific rules and are not covered by this permit under the standard conditions presented here. Bilateral agreements may also provide for a temporary residence permit for certain nationalities.
Who can apply from France?
Among other requirements, graduates must hold a “student” or “student—mobility programme” residence permit and have obtained one of the accepted qualifications within the previous twelve months: a vocational bachelor's degree, a Mastère Spécialisé, an accredited Master of Science or a qualification at least equivalent to a master's degree.
The application must be submitted in the two months before the student permit expires, following the procedure of the competent prefecture. Do not wait for the late delivery of the physical diploma if a final certificate of achievement is accepted.
What if you have left France?
A graduate who has returned abroad may apply for the corresponding VLS-TS within a maximum of four years after obtaining the qualification. The application is then made through the consular authorities and France-Visas.
This option does not turn an expired former student permit into an automatic right to return. You must obtain the appropriate visa.
Can you work during this year?
Yes. The employer does not have to apply for a work permit, and the student limit of 964 hours does not apply. However, the job must be related to your studies and meet the applicable pay threshold.
As of 16 September 2026, Service-Public specifies a gross monthly salary above €2,800.53 for this scheme. This amount may change: check the official guidance when signing the contract.
One year goes quickly: plan your next step from the first month
VisaPref checks your qualification, timetable, employment contract or business plan, and future change of status.
Setting up a business
The project must correspond to your field of study or research. Prepare a description of the business, market research, financing, business model and initial steps. A mere undocumented idea is unlikely to support the professional residence permit requested at the end of the year.
Depending on the project and the conditions met, you may subsequently apply for an “entrepreneur/liberal profession” residence permit or a “project leader” talent residence permit.
Which permit should you apply for next?
If you find a job, the next permit depends on the salary, qualification and contract: an “employee,” “temporary worker” or talent category may be appropriate. Service-Public publishes the current thresholds for talent residence permits.
Do not let the contract begin without checking which permit you will need next. A salary permitted under the job-search residence permit does not automatically meet the criteria for every multi-year residence permit.
Documents to prepare
- valid student residence permit and passport;
- recent proof of address;
- health insurance;
- diploma or final certificate of achievement;
- business plan if you choose this route;
- contract committing you to respect the principles of the Republic;
- employment contract to prepare for your next permit.
Common mistakes
- applying after the student permit expires;
- presenting an ineligible qualification;
- accepting a job unrelated to your studies;
- ignoring the current salary threshold;
- waiting until the eleventh month to prepare the next permit;
- believing the permit can be renewed for a second year.
Official source
Article updated on 16 September 2026. The amounts and possible subsequent permit categories must be checked again on the application date.