Check the work permit
Nothing to request for an approved apprenticeship. For a professionalisation contract, the employer applies on ANEF before the start date.
Work permit — apprenticeshipNo application if the contract is approved by the OPCONamed declaration to the prefecture 2 working days before hiring.
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Service-public F2713Source
Work permit — professionalisation contractRequired before the start, granted by rightCheck L5221-5 again after 31/12/2026.
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Service-public F2713Source
How to do it
Never start a professionalisation contract before the work permit has been obtained: going over the 964-hour limit without a permit can lead to your residence permit being withdrawn and not renewed.
- 1Apprenticeship approved by the OPCO: your employer does not need to apply for any work permit, and you may work more than 964 hours a year as part of your programme.
- 2Professionalisation: your employer (or someone they appoint) must apply for and obtain the work permit online on ANEF before you start.
- 3In both cases, check that your employer has filed the nominative declaration (déclaration nominative) with the préfecture of the département where the company is based at least 2 working days before you start.
- 4Keep your student residence permit valid throughout the contract: remember to renew it in time on ANEF.
- 5If you change employer, everything starts again: a new contract, a new OPCO approval for apprenticeship or a new permit application for professionalisation, and a new nominative declaration.
What you need
- Your valid student residence permit (validated VLS-TS or residence card)
- Your signed contract
- For professionalisation: the work permit decision, which is also sent to you
Tips
- The 964-hour count starts when your VLS-TS is validated or your card is issued, not on 1 January.
- The rule that grants the work permit automatically for these contracts (article L5221-5) has an end date set by law: ask your employer to check the version in force at the time of the application.
- Keep copies of every document linked to your contract: you will need them to renew your residence permit.
A question about this step?
“Check the work permit”: ask Mbeng, the answer comes from the guides and official sources.