Send the employer the “hiring a foreign student” guide
It explains the employer's paperwork and removes the fear of red tape.
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
On a contrat de professionnalisation, never start working before the employer has obtained the work permit.
- 1As soon as a company is interested in you, send them the "hiring an international student" sheet, stating whether it is a contrat d'apprentissage or a contrat de professionnalisation.
- 2Apprentissage: explain that once the contract is validated by the OPCO, they do not need to apply for a work permit.
- 3Professionnalisation: explain that they must apply for the work permit online, on ANEF, and obtain it before your first day. For this contract, it is granted as of right.
- 4In both cases, remind them of the déclaration nominative to the préfecture of the company's département, at least 2 working days before the hiring date.
- 5Send them a copy of your residence permit and your enrolment certificate as soon as you have them.
What you need
- The "hiring an international student" sheet
- A copy of your passport and your validated VLS-TS visa
- Your enrolment certificate for the programme
- The school's work-study schedule
Tips
- Give the employer the link to the official service-public page: an official source reassures more than a verbal explanation.
- If you change employer, the formalities start again with the new employer.
A question about this step?
“Send the employer the “hiring a foreign student” guide”: ask Mbeng, the answer comes from the guides and official sources.