A French student residence permit allows an international student to study in France and, within statutory limits, to work alongside their studies. A common misconception is that student status always restricts the holder to part-time work. The actual rule is based on an annual limit rather than a fixed weekly schedule.
Under Article L. 422-1 of the CESEDA, a student residence permit authorises salaried employment on an ancillary basis up to 60% of annual full-time working hours, ordinarily 964 hours per year.
What does the 964-hour limit mean in practice?
The student may organise those hours in different ways, provided the annual limit is respected. Depending on the timetable, this can include periods of full-time work during university holidays or part-time work spread throughout the year.
The employment may be under a fixed-term or open-ended contract. The rules governing whether a fixed-term contract is lawful are separate from the employee's immigration status.
Within the ordinary student-work allowance, the student does not normally need a separate work-authorisation application. Both the employer and the student should nevertheless monitor the number of hours worked carefully.
What if the student wants to work more?
Working beyond the statutory student limit may require a different immigration or work-authorisation route. A student approaching the end of their studies should also consider whether a change of status is needed for full-time employment after graduation.
Fazolo Avocats assists students and employers with student work rights and changes from student to employment-based status.
