A change of status allows you to switch from a "Student" or "RECE" permit to another permit that matches your new professional situation. Below is our practical guide to understanding the requirements and smoothly starting the process for the Salaried or Qualified Employee (Talent) status.
CHANGE OF STATUS: STUDENT/RECE → EMPLOYEE
If you hold a "Student" permit or a "Job Search / Business Creation" card (RECE/APS) and have found a job in France, you must apply for a change of status to "Salaried" (Salarié).
🔹 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, provided the job is related to your studies or research and the salary is at least 1.5 × SMIC (€2,734.55 gross/month as of 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.
CHANGE OF STATUS: STUDENT/RECE → TALENT – SKILLED EMPLOYEE
Have you obtained a Master’s degree (or higher) in France and secured a job for more than 3 months with a gross annual 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 the salary is ≥ 1.5 × SMIC (€2,734.55 gross/month as of July 2025).
- Once the favorable decision certificate is received → there are no longer any hour limits.
