French PR After Study for Indians: Essential Steps and Eligibility Criteria

Lots of Indian students dream about staying in France after they graduate, hoping to build a career and maybe even settle down for good. Indian graduates can apply for permanent residency (PR) in France after finishing their studies, but there are some hoops to jump through. So, if you’re thinking about taking this route, it’s smart to know the process and have your documents in order.

French PR can really open doors better job opportunities, more freedom to travel around Europe, and just more stability overall. If settling in France is on your mind, you’ll want to know how to move from a student visa to PR. Here’s what you need to know, with practical tips and real steps to help you figure out your French permanent residency after study journey.

French PR After Study For Indians: Step-By-Step Guide

Indian students looking to get permanent residency (PR) in France after their studies need to follow a clear path. The process isn’t impossible, but you do need to tick off all the boxes.

Step 1: Complete Your Studies in France

You’ll need a recognized degree from a French institution. Only full-time, accredited programs count toward eligibility.

Step 2: Obtain a Post-Study Work Permit

After graduation, you can apply for a post-study work visa think “Talent Passport” or the standard work permit. This lets you work in France and get the experience you’ll need for PR.

Step 3: Meet the Eligibility Criteria for PR

To apply for PR, you must:

• Live in France legally for at least 5 years (sometimes just 3 if you’re on a Talent Passport and in certain high-demand professions)

• Show stable, ongoing employment and a regular income

• Have no criminal record

• Demonstrate integration—meaning you should know French culture and society pretty well

• Prove your French language skills: usually, B1 level (intermediate) on the CEFR scale is the minimum required, but B2 is better for some pathways
  

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency (Carte de Résident)

Once you’ve met the criteria, you can submit your application with all the required documents. There’s usually an interview and a document check by French authorities.

Requirement	Details
Legal Stay	3-5 years (depends on permit type)
Employment	Stable job and regular income (minimum salary for work permit is €2,518 gross/month for Talent Passport in 2024)
Language	B1 or higher in French (DELF/DALF or TCF/TEF certificates accepted)
Integration	Knowledge of French society & values, often checked via interview

Timeline From Graduation To French PR

Right after graduation, most Indian students in France have a student resident permit. This lets you legally stay while you finish your degree.

The next step is the APS Visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour). It gives you up to 2 years to look for a job related to your degree. You’ll need to find a CDI (permanent contract) or at least a qualifying job in your field during this time.

Once you land a qualifying job, you switch from APS to a work visa usually the Passeport Talent or a standard work permit. For this, you’ll need a job offer that matches your qualifications and pays at least the legal minimum (for Talent Passport, it’s roughly €2,518 gross/month in 2024). French law is pretty strict about this stuff.

Step	Duration
Student Residence Permit	Until graduation
APS Visa	Up to 24 months
Work Visa (Passeport Talent/Other)	Usually 2-4 years
Apply for PR	After 5 years of legal stay (sometimes 3 if eligible)

You must have 5 years of continuous, legal stay in France under valid permits to apply for PR (or 3 years if you’re on a Talent Passport in certain professions).

French language is a big deal B1 level is the minimum, but honestly, B2 opens more doors. You’ll need to pass the language test (DELF, TCF, TEF, etc.) and sign an integration contract.

Book Our PR Pathway Consultation

Getting French PR after study for Indians can be a maze. If you want help figuring out what’s next, booking a consultation can save you a lot of headaches.

Why book a PR Pathway Consultation?

• Get advice tailored to your background

• Help organizing the paperwork (it’s a lot!)

• CV tips and interview prep

• French language guidance (what level you really need and how to get there)

• Answers about APS Visas, work permits, and next steps

Step	Details
Profile Review	They’ll check your study and work profile for eligibility.
Application Roadmap	Step-by-step plan for your PR application.
Document Checklist	List of documents you’ll need.
Language Skills Evaluation	Tips for reaching B2 French, if needed.
Work Path Guidance	Advice on job contracts and finding a CDI.

Booking is simple just fill out a quick questionnaire online and you’re set.

Frequently Asked Questions

French Permanent Residency (PR) lets you live, work, and travel freely in France and the rest of the Schengen zone. Indian students need to meet the stay requirements and follow the right process to qualify for PR after studying in France.

What is the duration of stay required for Indian students to obtain PR in France after their studies?

Usually, you need to live in France for 5 years (sometimes 3 with a Talent Passport in select professions) to qualify for PR. The clock starts after you switch from a student visa to a work visa or another qualifying residence permit. Short-term visas don’t count toward the 5 years.

How Does This Compare With Canada PR? Honestly, France’s PR route is more demanding than Canada’s. In Canada, international graduates can often apply for PR after just 1–2 years of work on a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The Express Entry system is points-based and usually more transparent, with clear pathways for skilled workers. In France, you need a longer stay, stronger language skills (French is a must), and more proof of integration. Plus, the French process can be a bit more bureaucratic and less predictable.

And here’s the twist: Canada’s political landscape has shifted in recent years. There’s more skepticism about immigration, and new caps on PR numbers are being discussed. Some provinces have made it harder for international students to settle, with higher proof-of-funds and more paperwork. While France isn’t perfect, Canada’s system isn’t as open as it was a few years ago so it’s worth weighing both options carefully.

What are the eligibility criteria for international students to apply for Permanent Residency in France?

To be eligible for PR in France, international students need to show they've got a stable income (think at least the French minimum wage, which is about €1,383 net per month as of 2024), a clean criminal record, and some real signs of integrating like decent French language skills (usually B1 or higher on the CEFR scale), plus either a job contract or proof they're working. You'll need a valid passport, copies of your PR application, your work contract, proof of address, medical insurance, and documents showing your financial stability. The process is pretty document-heavy, so it pays to be organized. And honestly, if your French is shaky, it's going to be tough they do expect you to handle daily life and work in French.

Can Indian students apply for PR in France immediately after graduation?

Nope, Indian students can't jump straight from graduation to PR. After you finish your studies, you'll usually get a temporary residence permit called the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which lets you stay for up to 12 months to look for work or start a job. If you land a job that pays at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, you can switch to a work visa often the "Passeport Talent." Only after you've lived and worked in France for at least 5 years on a valid permit can you apply for permanent residency. So, it's a bit of a marathon, not a sprint.

What benefits are associated with obtaining a French Permanent Residency for Indian nationals?

Getting French PR means you can live and work in France with almost no restrictions, and you don't have to keep renewing your visa every year. You can also travel, work, or study across the Schengen area without extra paperwork. PR holders get access to public healthcare, social services, and a lot more legal security. It's not citizenship, but honestly, for most people, it's more than enough to build a stable life in France. If you're thinking long-term, it's a pretty solid deal.

What is the process for international graduates to transition from a student visa to PR in France?

After graduation, you can't just stay on your student visa. You'll need to apply for the APS, which gives you a year to find work. If you get a qualifying job, you move to a work visa like the Passeport Talent. After living and working legally in France for five years yes, five you can apply for permanent residency. The paperwork can feel endless, but it's doable if you keep at it.

Are there any investment routes available for acquiring PR in France for Indian citizens?

France does have options for residency through investment, mainly via the French Talent Passport for investors. To qualify, you’ll need to invest at least €300,000 directly in a French company, and the expectation is that your investment will help create or safeguard jobs in France. The process can feel a bit bureaucratic, with paperwork and proof of funds required, but it’s a legitimate route if you’re able to meet the financial threshold.

It's worth noting the eligibility standards: you’ll need a clear business plan, and you’re expected to take an active role in the company you’re investing in. Advanced French isn’t strictly mandatory for the application, but realistically, you’ll need at least an intermediate (B1/B2) level to handle day-to-day life and official processes. Average annual salaries for investors aren’t published, since you’re not technically an employee, but successful applicants generally demonstrate financial stability and a sustainable income from their investment.

This route is entirely separate from the more common study-to-work path, which usually leads to a temporary residence permit before any shot at permanent residency.