Obtaining a long-stay visa (VLS) with the “Talent – Researcher” designation

If you wish to pursue a PhD, conduct research or teach at university level in France and you hold a hosting agreement (convention d’accueil), you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (VLS) with the “Talent – Researcher” designation from the territorially competent administrative authority.

Eligibility requirements for the “Talent – Researcher” visa

As this status is specifically linked to research activities, the following conditions must be met: 

• Hold a Master’s degree (Master’s level – equivalent to five years of higher education)
• Pursue a PhD, conduct research work, or teach at university level in France
• A validated hosting agreement must be in place – except for European nationals and Algerian nationals
• Minimum gross monthly salary: €2,200 ressortissants européens et les algériens

What is the procedure to obtain a “Talent – Researcher” visa?

• The hosting agreement must be validated by the competent authority (consular authorities). It is issued by the host institution and submitted when applying for the visa.
• Issuance of either:
  • a visa valid for three months, or
  • a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), to be validated online, depending on the duration of the assignment.
• Arrival in France and commencement of the position.
• Application for a residence permit, where applicable, or online validation of the VLS-TS.
• Issuance of the residence permit, with a duration that varies depending on the research project.
  

What are the advantages of the “Talent – Researcher” status?

Although this status is strictly regulated, it belongs to the Talent residence permit category, which offers several notable advantages: 

• Residence rights are directly linked to the right to work, meaning no prior work authorisation is required, and the labour market test does not apply.
• Access to a multi-year residence permit valid for up to four years, where eligible, from the first application. Renewal is possible from within France and without limitation.
• Eligibility for a 10-year resident card and French naturalisation.
• Eligibility for the “Talent – Accompanying Family” scheme.
  

What are the disadvantages of the “Talent – Researcher” long-stay visa?

• Employment activities must strictly comply with the hosting agreement in place.
• A change of status procedure is required if the conditions attached to this status are no longer met.
  This status does not allow employment outside the scope of the hosting agreement.

What must the hosting agreement include for this specific status?

The hosting agreement must specify:

• The nature of the research work or research projects
• The duration of the research work or projects
• The amount of financial resources
• The accommodation arrangements
• The applicable medical coverage 

Possible formats include:

• Doctoral contract
• Industrial agreement for training through research (CIFRE)
• Other equivalent arrangements

Conclusion 

The “Talent – Researcher” immigration status is intended for foreign nationals wishing to pursue a PhD, conduct research work, or teach at university level in France.

This immigration status is structured around a hosting agreement issued by the host institution and validated by the consular authorities when the visa application is submitted.

While the scheme offers many advantages, employment activities are strictly limited to those covered by the hosting agreement.
A change of status procedure will therefore be required in the event of changes in the individual’s situation (change of contract, employer, duties, etc.).

For further information, please consult our professional immigration services in France or schedule an appointment with one of our experts.