France — Work (Stay after a French master's — job-search permit (former APS))

Main requirements

This route only opens after studying in France itself; an Iranian degree (even a master's) doesn't count, so if you're still in Iran take the French master's route first. You must have earned in France a licence professionnelle, Mastère Spécialisé, CGE-labelled MSc or a degree at least equivalent to a master's. If you're still in France on a student card, the degree must be from the last 12 months; if you left after graduating, you can apply for a VLS-TS at a French consulate within 4 years of the degree. The permit lasts 1 year and is not renewable.

Documents

Degree or final pass certificate; passport; current residence document; photos; proof of address.

Language

No language condition is stated for this permit; French usually decides whether you find work.

Costs and proof of funds

From within France: €150 (€100 tax + €50 stamp). If applying from abroad after leaving, €100 at VLS-TS validation. You fund your own living costs during the search year.

Steps and timeline

Apply to your local prefecture within the last 2 months before your student card expires; work or search during the year (the 964-hour cap no longer applies). A job related to your studies paying over €2,800.53 gross/month gives a salarié card without labour-market test; from €39,582/year talent-salarié qualifié; from €59,373 the Blue Card.

Iran-specific notes

This route depends on the study route, so the master's hurdles (Campus France Iran, VFS Tehran, sanctions and money transfer) come first. The upside is no work-visa appointment in Iran is needed.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, permanent residence)

After switching to a work card, several years of legal stay lead to a resident card. Since 2026 a first multi-year salarié card requires the civic exam and A2 French (talent cards and the Blue Card are exempt from this), and the resident card requires the civic exam and B1 French.