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Occupational Trainee/Apprentice Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
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Occupational Trainee/Apprentice Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €249

Stay Duration

Up to 12 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for vocational trainees and apprentices undergoing occupational training in France.

The French stagiaire (trainee) VLS-TS is a long-stay visa for foreign nationals doing internships or occupational training in France exceeding 90 days. It requires a three-party convention de stage signed by the trainee, the host company, and the training organisation, validated by French authorities.

The visa covers stays up to 12 months and acts as a residence permit — no separate card needed. Holders must validate it with OFII within 3 months of arrival, paying a €99 consular fee and €300 OFII tax. Minimum monthly resources of €615 apply. Work is restricted to the approved training only.

This visa is ideal for students and early-career professionals who have secured a formal vocational training placement in France and want hands-on industry experience.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99
Residence permit fee (VLS-TS validation)EUR €150
TotalEUR €249

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)
France flagFrance

L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)

ValidityUp to 1 year
Processing1-3 months
View Visa Details
VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
France flagFrance

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa

Validity1 year
Processing6-10 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a student or employee participating in a professional training program in France

Must have a three-party internship agreement (convention de stage) signed by the trainee, the host company/institution, and the training organization

The internship agreement must be stamped by the relevant French regional authority (e.g., DREETS)

Must possess sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during the stay

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

615 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

615 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Three-party internship agreement (duly signed and stamped)

Proof of financial resources (minimum monthly allowance requirements apply)

Proof of accommodation in France

Completed long-stay visa application form

Passport-sized photographs

Application Process

1

Secure training

Apprenticeship or vocational training placement

2

Training agreement

Tri-partite training agreement signed

3

Check duration

Determine if over or under 90 days

4

Apply for visa

Submit at French consulate

5

Provide documents

Training agreement and employer details

6

Pay fee

EUR 99 for long-stay or EUR 90 for short-stay

7

Await decision

2-4 weeks

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Occupational Trainee Visa Application—

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