Living in France
Working in France...
Working in France during your studies
All foreign students have the right to work during their studies in France provided that they are enrolled in an education institution that entitles them to student coverage under the French national health insurance system (Sécurité Sociale) (and that they have a residence permit if they are non-EU nationals).
It's quite usual for students to look for ways to supplement their income during their studies.
However, it's important to realize that working half-time in France won't allow you to cover all your expenses -- it can only provide extra income.
All students have the right to work, including those arriving for the first time or enrolled in their first year of study.
French legislation now authorizes foreign students to work a maximum of 964 hours per year.
In France there is a guaranteed minimum salary, the SMIC, which is € 8.71 gross per hour (before the average 20% deduction for social security contributions).
Students are no longer required to obtain a temporary work permit (autorisation provisoire de travail - APT) in order to work part time during their studies, with the exception of Algerian students whose legal status is still defined by the Franco-Algerian Agreement of December 27, 1968.
Working in France after your studies
Foreign students holding a degree equivalent to a Master's or higher degree.
Once you have obtained a degree equivalent to a Master's or higher degree, you may request a temporary residence permit (autorisation provisoire de séjour)after expiration of your "student" residence permit. The temporary residence permit is valid for six months and is non-renewable.
This permit authorizes you to work in any kind of salaried job you choose, up to a limit of 60% of the legally permitted number of working hours.
If you sign an employment contract that is in a field related to your studies and whose remuneration is at least equal to one and a half times the SMIC, you will then be able to work full time and request a change in status (from student to employee) from the Préfecture administrative offices.
Other students
At the end of your studies, you can also be recruited by a company even if you are not an EU national.
You will then have to change your legal status (from student to employee) through a specific procedure.
You will have to present an employment contract or an employment offer from a French company. In evaluating your request, the authorities will consider various factors, such as the company's reasons for making the offer, your profile and the number of years of study completed.
Carte de séjour "compétences et talents" ("Skills and talents" combined work and residence permit)
This permit will be issued to foreigners who are likely to contribute, in a significant and lasting manner, to the economic development or the intellectual, scientific, cultural, humanitarian or athletic prestige and influence of France and the foreigner's home country.
Issuance of the card depends on the content, nature and interest of the foreigner's professional plan. It is issued for a renewable 3 year period and allows permit holders to conduct any professional activity related to their stated plan.
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