Change of Status
At the end of your studies or stay in France, it is sometimes necessary to adapt your residence permit to your new situation: employment, qualified activity, business creation... The change of status allows you to switch from a "student" or "job search / business creation" (RECE) residence permit to another type corresponding to your project.
The Welcome Desk Paris supports international students and researchers in this key stage of their journey.
Find here clear and concise practical guides to know when, how, and where to submit your application, and understand the conditions to meet depending on the desired status.
CHANGE OF STATUS: STUDENT/RECE → EMPLOYEE
Do you hold a student residence permit or a "Job Search / Business Creation" (RECE/APS) card and have you found a job in France? You must apply for a change of status to employee.
🔹 Step 1: Apply for a work permit
- Submit your application online on the ANEF website.
- The application can be made by the employer or by yourself (in this case, your employer must provide you with a power of attorney).
While awaiting the decision:
- with a student permit → you can work up to 964 hours/year;
- with a RECE/APS permit → you can work full-time, if the job is related to your studies or research and paid at least 1.5 times the SMIC (€2,702.70 gross/month in July 2025).
🔹 Step 2: Apply for the "employee" residence permit
Once the authorization is obtained, submit your application to the préfecture:
- If you reside in Paris → via the démarches simplifié website of the Police Prefecture (see downloadable guide).
- If you do not reside in Paris → consult your préfecture's website.
Documents to prepare (originals + copies):
- Valid passport and residence permit,
- Proof of address (< less than 6 months old),
- Recent ID photos (no e-photo),
- Work permit,
- Commitment contract to respect the principles of the Republic (mandatory since 2024).
👉 On the day of the appointment, make sure the receipt clearly states "authorizes its holder to work".
🔹 After submission
- The receipt + work permit = right to work.
- You will be summoned to pick up your card (€225 in tax stamps).
- ⚠️ The card must be picked up before its expiration. If you do not hear back after 2 months, contact the préfecture.
Have you obtained a Master's degree (or higher) in France and secured a job lasting more than 3 months with a gross salary of at least €39,582 ? You can apply for a "Talent – Skilled Employee" residence permit.
🔹 When and where to apply?
- Submit online on ANEF, between 4 and 2 months before your current permit expires.
- ⚠️ Please note: a late submission incurs a €180 penalty in addition to the permit fees.
🔹 Documents to prepare
- Valid passport + residence permit (or receipt, APS, RECE),
- Proof of address (less than 6 months old),
- ANTS-approved e-photo,
- Diploma obtained in France (at least Master 2) or certificate of achievement,
- Employer's certificate (official form),
- Commitment contract to respect the principles of the Republic (mandatory since 2024).
🔹 After submission
- You will receive a submission confirmation on your ANEF account.
- The préfecture may request additional documents → respond within the given timeframe.
- If the application is accepted → a attestation de décision favorable is available online, while awaiting the card's production.
- You will then be summoned to pick up your card at the préfecture (passport mandatory, €225 tax stamp).
🔹 What about work?
- With a student permit: you can work up to 964 hours/year while awaiting the decision.
- With an APS or RECE card: you can work full-time if the job is related to your training/research and paid ≥ 1.5 times the SMIC (€2,702.70 gross/month in July 2025).
- Once the favorable decision certificate is received → there are no longer any hour limits.
