International students: changing status from student to employee

It is important to be aware that when an international student in France holding a student immigration status has completed their studies and wishes to enter the labour market (excluding student jobs), a formal change of status procedure must be carried out.

Immigration status must always be aligned with the reason for a foreign national’s presence in France. This is why there are multiple immigration statuses in France, each corresponding to a specific situation.

How can the start date be estimated when changing status from student to employee?

The change of status from student to employee applies to any international student in France who, after completing their studies (particularly after a Master’s degree), wishes to take up employment under an employment contract and become an employee.

When an international student in France, holding a student status, has completed their studies and intends to enter the labour market (excluding student jobs), a change of status application from student to employee must be submitted to the local Prefecture.

As immigration status must always correspond to the reason for the foreign national’s stay in France, moving from student status to employee status requires a specific administrative process, including the application for a new residence permit (titre de séjour).

Changing status from student to employee: employer obligations and key checks

In the context of a change of status from student to employee, the employer plays a key role and must verify several essential elements prior to hiring.

In particular, the employer must ensure that the student holds, at a minimum, official confirmation of successful completion of their degree (often a Master’s degree), a valid passport, and a valid residence permit.

The company must also verify that the future employee meets the eligibility requirements for employee status, particularly in terms of salary level, contract duration (e.g. fixed-term or permanent contract), and the adequacy between the position offered and the academic background of the candidate.

Timelines and key steps in the change of status from student to employee

In order to estimate a realistic start date in the context of a change of status from student to employee, it is essential to understand the various administrative stages involved:

• Where applicable: labour market test (opposabilité de la situation de l’emploi) – 21 days of job posting
• Obtaining a work authorisation linked to the employment contract (fixed-term or permanent) – approximately 2 months
• Issuance of a receipt (récépissé) by the Prefecture – approximately 2 months, depending on the administrative calendar
• Issuance of the final employee residence permit – approximately 2 months

Key points to be aware of

• Processing times vary depending on the Prefecture, the employer’s situation, and the type of position. In the event of a refusal, an administrative appeal may be considered.
• The employee may effectively start work only after obtaining the work authorisation, provided that a valid residence permit is held, even if the permit still temporarily states “student”.

Our recommendations for a successful change of status from student to employee

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Changing status from student to employee involves complex administrative procedures and unavoidable processing times. Specialist support helps to avoid errors that could lead to refusal, anticipate Prefecture timelines, and secure the relationship between the employer, the employee, and the authorities.