Are you finishing your master’s degree in France and planning to stay for work or to launch your own venture? The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) and Carte de Séjour "Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise" (CdS RECE) are the post-study permits that allow you to stay legally in France after graduation.
Whether you’re already in France or have returned to your home country, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you submit your APS or CdS RECE application, both inside France and from abroad (e.g., India, Belgium, etc.).
The APS (Master) or CdS RECE is a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months, allowing non-EU graduates from French institutions to:
This permit can only be obtained once, and a renewal is possible only from within France.
Your local préfecture (immigration office) is responsible for processing your application. Depending on your location, the process may be:
💡 Check your prefecture’s official website for the latest instructions. You may be required to send an email with your 10-digit residence permit number.
🔗 Key Resource: How to Contact the Prefecture in Your City
Prefecture Application Process / Contact
Paris (75) Apply Online – Paris Prefecture
Seine-et-Marne (77) Application Process – Seine-et-Marne
Versailles (78) Email: sp-etrangers-versailles@yvelines.gouv.fr
Mantes-la-Jolie (78) Email: sp-etrangers-mantes-la-jolie@yvelines.gouv.fr
Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78) Email: pref-spsgl-etrangers@yvelines.gouv.fr
Essonne (91) (Evry, Palaiseau, Etampes) APS/CdS RECE Info – Essonne
Nanterre (92) 92 Prefecture Foreigners Page
Antony / Boulogne-Billancourt (92) General Info – Hauts-de-Seine
Bobigny (93) Prefecture Bobigny – Etrangers
Val-de-Marne / Créteil (94) Application Process – Créteil
South Val-de-Marne (94) (Arcueil, Cachan, etc.) [Same as above – Créteil applies]
Cergy (95) Email: pref-sejour@val-doise.gouv.fr
Argenteuil (95) Email: pref-rdv-etr-argenteuil@val-doise.gouv.fr
Lyon (69) APS / Job Seeker Visa Info – Lyon
Grenoble (38) & Valence (26) Application Info – Grenoble
Toulouse (31) Changement de Statut – Haute-Garonne
Nantes (44) Etrangers in Loire-Atlantique
Douai (59) Apply by Post – Nord Prefecture
Lille (59) Same link – Apply by Post
Here is the checklist of documents you’ll need to apply:
Example of an APS recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise
Yes! You can still apply for the APS / CdS RECE from outside France within 4 years of graduation.
This process is managed through the local French embassy or consulate and typically submitted via VFS Global.
✅ Choose “Job Search / Business Creation Visa” on france-visas.gouv.fr
💼 Select “Business” as your travel purpose
ℹ️ Note: You cannot renew this visa from abroad. The renewal must be done inside France before the current permit expires.
Imagine you're back in India and graduated in 2023. As long as you're within the 4-year window, you can still apply for the APS visa from India via VFS, and return to France to find a job or launch a business.
📚 Helpful Resources
✅ APS Master on service-public.fr
✅ France-Visas: Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise
✅ French Ministry of Interior on Job Seeker Mobility
✅ Business Creation in France
✅ Hiring a Foreign Worker in France
Navigating the French visa and residency process can be overwhelming. At EDUXskills, we support international students with:
✅ APS & Carte de Séjour Application Guidance
✅ Prefecture Appointment Assistance
✅ Health Insurance Advice
✅ Housing & Address Proof Help
✅ Job Market Tips & CV Support
🔗 Reach out to our team to get personalized support.
Ready to extend your stay and build your future in France? Start your APS or CdS RECE application today with confidence!
