Milena, a 24-year-old from Argentina, has just spent almost a year in France as a “Young Professional”. Recently graduated in urban planning in Buenos Aires, she was able to acquire professional experience in a Parisian urbanism company, improve her French and live an international experience enriching from all points of view. Objectives achieved thanks to this very particular permit, interesting for both talents and employers!
The “Young Professional” visa, what is it?
The OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration), the authority in charge of this procedure, describes it as a device aimed at “young foreigners wanting to come to France to deepen their professional, linguistic and cultural knowledge“. It is a bilateral agreement between France and 18 countries… So it works both ways!
Conditions for the young pro:
- Having the nationality of one of the countries that signed the agreement (Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Canada, Cape Verde, Congo Brazzaville, United States, Gabon, Georgia, India, Morocco, Mauritius, Montenegro, New Zealand (only for agriculture), Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Tunisia.
- Being aged between 18 and 35 years old
=> Exceptions: Benin (age limit :40 y.o.), Russia (age limit :40 y.o.); Tunisia (age limit :35 y.o.)
- Having a diploma and/or professional experience related to the position in France
Conditions for the employer:
- Pay a salary equivalent to what a French employee would receive for the same position/experience (minimum wage in force)
- Pay the OFII tax (72€)
- Establish a fixed-term employment contract of 3 to 12 months, renewable only once for a maximum of 6 additional months (after having received OFII’s authorization)
Maximum duration of stay:
- Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Tunisia, Morocco, Cape Verde: 3 to 18 months
- Benin, Gabon, United States: 6 to 18 months
- Argentina, Georgia, Mauritius, Senegal: 12 to 18 months
- Canada, Russia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia: 12 months renewable once (i.e. 24 months maximum)
How does it work?
A complete file must be submitted by the employer to the competent office of the OFII, depending on the place of work. The authorization, once issued, is transmitted to the Consulate of France of the country concerned. The latter will issue a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS / TS), bearing the mention “young professional”, which must be validated within 3 months after arriving in France.
More infos:
+ : all activities are concerned
+ : this visa is only accessible once
+: the Young Pro status implies going back to the country of origin once the contract ends. If the person wishes to work in France, a new process must be initiated
+: the accompanying family is not included under the Young Pro scheme – it is possible to apply for a visitor visa (which does not allow to work in France)
You are a young pro or an employer, and are needing more information? Remember, the Young Pro permit works both ways – Oui Immigration can assist you in any case 😊
Contact us! oui@oui-immigration.com
