Changing from student to employee status is a crucial step in the journey of a foreign student residing in France. This process, governed by immigration law, can seem complex and time-consuming. However, careful preparation, supported by an immigration lawyer, can be decisive in obtaining the residence permit as an employee.
The G-Partners Law Firm, experts in immigration law, offers you a complete guide to understand each step, the conditions to meet, the required procedures, and the benefits of professional legal assistance.
Why change status? A key step toward employment in France
Working legally full-time after studies
With a residence permit “student”, the authorized work duration is limited to 964 hours per year. To work full-time, it is necessary to apply for a change of status. This allows you to obtain a valid work authorization and maintain the right to work in France.
Integrating into French society (social security, pension, taxes, etc.)
The change of status grants access to important social rights: registration with social security, pension contributions, and professional stability. It also allows you to obtain a true temporary resident status and to benefit from the services related to active citizenship in France.
Accessing a more stable and rewarding residence permit
Switching from student to employee status gives access to a “salarié” (employee) or “temporary worker” residence permit. It simplifies the renewal process and facilitates progression toward other permits, such as the Talent Passport (a residence permit that facilitates the entry of highly qualified foreign professionals into France).
For many students finishing their studies, this is an essential step in their life project in France, after completing a long higher-education program.
Conditions to be met for the student-to-employee status change
Having a diploma (or being close to obtaining one)
You must hold a recognized diploma from French higher education. A professional bachelor’s, master’s, or engineering degree is generally accepted. It is also possible to apply if the diploma is soon to be obtained.
This condition is often required to justify a sufficient qualification level under the professional immigration program.
Having a valid employment contract or a serious job offer
A permanent contract (CDI) is ideal, but a fixed-term contract (CDD) may also be accepted in some cases. The proposed job must match the skills acquired during the studies.
The job offer must be clear and detailed, and may be accompanied by a filing receipt if the application is being processed. In case of international mobility, such as returning from Canada, documents proving the validity of the previous residence permit must also be provided.
Earning a salary that meets the required thresholds
The salary must be at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage (SMIC) for recent graduates. This amount may vary depending on the sector (industry, electronics, auditing, etc.).
In some cases, an employer’s certificate specifying the salary level and career prospects may strengthen the application. This level of remuneration is essential to demonstrate alignment between labor-market needs and the qualified foreign professional.
Having a job related to your field of study
The proposed job must correspond to your academic background — for example: mechanical technician, maintenance agent, electrical engineer, software developer, financial analyst, biologist, project manager, or technical executive.
The administration verifies the consistency between degrees, acquired skills, and the employer’s expectations. This correlation is key to obtaining the work authorization, particularly in sectors like mechanics, industrial production, or construction.
Steps for changing status: the procedures to follow
Procedures to be completed by the future employee
Submitting the application to the prefecture
The application must be submitted to the prefecture of your residence two months before your student residence permit expires. It may also be submitted online via the official public service website.
It is highly recommended to consult an immigration lawyer before starting the process online, even though resources are available on government portals for foreign nationals.
Need help?
The G-Partners Law Firm can assist you in this process and strengthen your application to achieve a favorable outcome.
List of required supporting documents
To complete the status change and apply for the residence permit, the following documents must be provided:
- Your student residence permit
- A copy of your employment contract or a job offer
- All diplomas
- Proof of address
- Completed application form for status change
- A copy of your passport
- A letter of motivation from the employer
- Work authorization certificate
- Recent bank statements
This list is not exhaustive — the prefecture may request additional documents depending on your situation. In some cases, extra documents related to nationality, bilateral agreements, or family circumstances (spouse, children) may be required. The submission date and validity of your current permit must be strictly observed.
Application for the “employee” or “temporary worker” residence card
Depending on the type of employment (CDI or CDD), the residence card issued will bear the mention “salarié” or “travailleur temporaire”. Its validity generally matches the employment contract duration.
For example, for a U.S. citizen, this card is essential to legally reside in France after studies and access social rights linked to employee status. They must also provide, if applicable, a copy of their student visa or previous residence permit issued abroad to prove the legality of their immigration history.
Employer procedures
Work authorization request to the DREETS (formerly DIRECCTE)
The company must submit a work authorization request. This document is mandatory for any non-EU foreign student employment.
This request may be part of a broader HR management process, particularly in sectors such as serial production or mechanical construction. The authorization may cover a technical, managerial, or qualified position.
List of employer documents
The employer’s file includes: Cerfa form, K-bis extract, job offer, URSSAF certificate, cover letter explaining the hiring decision, and job justification, among others.
- Completed CERFA work authorization form
- K-bis extract
- Copy of the employment contract or job offer
- URSSAF certificate
- Copy of diploma or enrollment certificate if still studying
- Letter explaining the hiring decision
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Valid residence permit
Companies may also need to justify their labor needs in the sector. Some may request an accelerated process if the skill is deemed critical to the company.
Justification for hiring
The company must prove that the position could not be filled by a French or EU resident, except if it falls under the “shortage occupations list.”
Contextual elements such as shortages of specialized technicians or business expansion projects can strengthen the case. Depending on the field, supporting documents related to tourism, education, or technical projects may also be added.
Need assistance?
An immigration lawyer can help you compile the file and maximize your chances of approval.
How to negotiate with your future employer to optimize your status change request
Key contract clauses to reassure the prefecture
The prefecture examines each employment contract in light of the foreign student’s academic background. It is therefore crucial to present a clear, structured, and coherent document. The job title should accurately reflect the academic program and skills acquired (e.g., electrical engineering, auditing, mechanical design, etc.).
If you do not yet have a signed contract, a clear and specific job offer may suffice to start the process, provided it mentions:
- the position,
- the salary,
- and the expected duration.
Mentioning a potential permanent contract, ongoing training, or internal promotion can be advantageous. The employer should also specify assigned tasks, their connection to the business sector, and identified labor-market needs.
1.5× SMIC salary: how to discuss it confidently
For the work authorization request to be accepted, the gross salary stated in the contract must reach at least 1.5× the French minimum wage (SMIC). This threshold ensures that the employee can sustain themselves without relying on social aid — a key administrative criterion.
This can be a sensitive topic, especially for recent graduates. However, it is legitimate to bring it up with the employer by explaining that this minimum salary is a legal condition for approval — not a personal demand, but a regulatory requirement under French immigration law.
During interviews or salary discussions, the student can emphasize:
- their high academic level,
- specialized or scarce skills,
- prior professional experience,
- or the fact that the job is in a shortage sector (e.g., engineering, software development, industrial maintenance, financial control).
A sector-specific salary guide can also help establish realistic expectations and show a professional approach.
The lawyer’s role in drafting a solid and compliant contract
An immigration lawyer plays a strategic role here. They can review the contract, ensure legal compliance, and make adjustments to meet administrative expectations.
They ensure that each clause aligns with residence-permit and work-authorization requirements. The lawyer can also recommend contract structure improvements, wording to avoid, or mentions to include (duration, reason for hiring, job level, etc.).
This detailed legal review is crucial to avoid rejection due to inconsistencies between the student’s status, the proposed job, and the supporting documents.
The lawyer’s key role in your application
Eligibility verification and securing the process
Before submitting the application, the lawyer checks your eligibility. They analyze the validity of your residence permit, the alignment between your degree and the job offer, and the conditions required for work authorization.
They ensure your profile meets administrative criteria based on context (industry, nationality, labor-market needs). This first step is essential to avoid rejection due to a misinterpretation or missing document.
Building a strong and well-argued application
The lawyer helps you gather all necessary documents: employment contract, ID, diploma, motivation letter, employer’s certificate, etc.
They draft explanatory notes highlighting the relevance of your hiring and can also prepare a legal cover letter justifying the match between your education and the position. This personalized approach often makes a decisive difference with the prefecture.
Dialogue with the prefecture and anticipating objections
In complex cases, the lawyer can directly contact the prefecture to present the case, clarify points, or anticipate requests for additional documents.
This communication smooths out the process and addresses administrative objections efficiently. It reduces the risk of unjustified rejection and demonstrates that the case is professionally managed.
Support until the residence permit is granted
The lawyer follows all steps:
- application submission,
- receipt issuance,
- work authorization processing,
- DREETS decision,
- prefectural notification,
- permit delivery.
They also intervene in case of delays, administrative silence, or appeals. With their support, you have a single legal contact ensuring your professional immigration process runs smoothly.
Specifics of changing from student to employee status: key facts
Differences depending on contract type (CDI, CDD, part-time)
The contract type affects the residence-permit mention. A CDI generally leads to a “salarié” residence card, which is more stable and renewable.
A CDD, especially if short, results in a temporary residence card marked “travailleur temporaire.”
Part-time contracts are rarely accepted, except in special cases (education, research, or transition toward a permanent position). Authorities assess the coherence between working hours and the feasibility of long-term settlement in France.
Impact of the diploma on the residence permit
The level, recognition, and specialization of the diploma — and its link to the job — strongly influence the decision. Degrees in mechanics, engineering, or accounting often give access to roles in high-demand sectors.
Certain bilateral cooperation programs also facilitate transitions for nationals who studied in Canada or partner countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, or others in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Specific agreements between states may reduce waiting times or simplify procedures by offering:
- shorter processing times for residence or work-permit applications,
- easier recognition of foreign degrees,
- special quotas or simplified procedures,
- enhanced support from embassies or consulates.
Special cases: master’s degree, talent passport, innovative startups
Students holding a master’s degree or having completed an excellence program may qualify for a “Talent Passport” residence permit. This title is more flexible and prestigious, particularly in research, innovation, industrial production, or mechanical engineering fields.
Innovative startups can benefit from a special regime to hire foreign students, simplifying work-permit issuance — a path worth exploring with a lawyer’s help.
What to do in case of refusal of status change
Common reasons for refusal (salary, coherence, labor-market demand)
Refusals may stem from insufficient salary, lack of connection between job and studies, or labor-market saturation.
The territorial administration may argue that the job could be filled by an EU citizen or resident. Contract inconsistencies or unclear career paths may also justify a refusal.
Associated risks (permit refusal, deportation order)
A refusal can lead to denial of residence-permit renewal and an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF).
It is crucial to act quickly and consult a lawyer to avoid irregular status. The receipt issued upon application submission does not automatically guarantee legality if a later refusal occurs.
Possible appeals with a lawyer’s assistance
Administrative appeal
This appeal asks the prefecture to reconsider its decision without going to court. The lawyer prepares a detailed legal argument based on the applicant’s personal situation and applicable regulations.
Hierarchical appeal
This appeal is addressed to the Minister of the Interior to challenge a prefectural decision. It is often used in addition to the administrative appeal and relies on a structured legal argument emphasizing the public interest of the case.
Appeal before the administrative court
This is the judicial route. In cases of administrative silence (implicit rejection) or explicit refusal, the applicant may appeal to the administrative court within a strict deadline (usually two months).
Is a fixed-term contract (CDD) compatible with a status change?
Conditions for accepting a CDD
A fixed-term contract is accepted if its duration is sufficient (generally at least six months), if the position aligns with the field of study, and if the salary meets requirements.
The prefecture analyzes the project’s coherence and stability. A CDD can serve as a stepping stone toward a CDI, especially in industrial, transport, or education sectors.
Temporary worker residence card: operation and renewal
The CDD grants a “temporary worker” residence card valid for the contract’s duration. In case of contract renewal, a new application must be filed on time.
The lawyer ensures the continuity of work rights, the absence of gaps between contracts, and the compliance of your file with administrative requirements.
Opportunities to transition to a CDI
A CDD can lead to a CDI if the company is satisfied with the employee’s performance, facilitating access to a more stable residence card.
Anticipating this evolution is strategic. With a lawyer’s support, discussions with the employer can help build a coherent professional plan aligned with both market expectations and immigration requirements.
Successfully changing status: the importance of proper support
Changing status to work in France is a key yet complex step, especially for foreign nationals facing France’s administrative requirements. Every detail matters — contract, salary, consistency of your background. To maximize your chances of success, don’t face this alone. The G-Partners Law Firm, specialized in immigration law, supports you through each step with rigor and care. Contact us now to secure your professional future in France.
Frequently asked questions about changing from student to employee status
Can I apply before receiving my diploma?
Yes, if the diploma is about to be obtained and all other conditions are met. A school certificate may suffice.
Is the change possible with a short-term CDD?
It depends on the duration and relevance of the job. Less than six months is risky. Consulting a lawyer is advised.
What are the processing times for status change?
Processing times vary depending on the prefecture and case complexity. On average, expect 1–3 months. A receipt is issued during the process.
Is a lawyer mandatory to apply?
No, but it is highly recommended. A lawyer ensures legal soundness, proper wording, and anticipation of potential rejection reasons.
How much does legal assistance cost?
Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the case. The G-Partners Law Firm offers personalized quotes and may provide a custom package for clear and transparent support.
Can I work in France with a student status?
Yes, within the limit of 964 hours per year. To work full-time, you must change your status and obtain a work permit.
