"Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise" (RECE) residence permit

The conditions for obtaining this permit and the rights associated with it are explained in detail on the Campus France website, we invite you to consult it before applying in Grenoble or Valence

Remarks for students

Algerian national

Algerian nationals are subject to slightly different legislation (the Franco-Algerian agreement of 27 December 1968), and are not entitled to a “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” residence permit, nor « APS Jeune diplômé ».

Nationals of the following countries

Benin, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Georgia, India, Macedonia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Serbia and Tunisia
You are not entitled to a “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” residence permit, but can apply for an equivalent called the “Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour” (APS) for graduates. The application and issuance conditions are the same.

Remarks for researchers and their spouses

Nationals of the following countries

Algeria, Benin, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Georgia, India, Macedonia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Serbia and Tunisia
You are not entitled to a “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” residence permit, but if you have a French work contract, you can still extend your stay on the basis your unemployment benefits (“Allocation de Retour à l’Emploi”).
Please follow the procedure corresponding to the “Passeport Talent – Chercheur” residence permit.
> Apply for a "Passeport Talent" residence permit

Spouses of researchers

If your spouse obtains a “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” residence permit, or extend his or her stay on the basis of the unemployment benefits, you can extend your “Passeport Talent – Famille” residence permit for the same duration. 
> Apply for a "Passeport Talent - Famille" residence permit

Procedure to apply for a "Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise" (RECE) or APS Jeunes diplômés residence permit

The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) of Université Grenoble Alpes supports you through every step of the process, in Grenoble and Valence.

Step 1: assemble your application file 

Two months before the expiration of your residence permit, assemble your application file by referring to the list of documents below:
> List of documents for a « Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise » (RECE) residence permit
> "Fiche de renseignements" form

If you are hosted, you can use the following templates created by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
> "Attestation d'hébergement" Template

Step 2: ISSO checks your application file online

Once you have gathered all the required documents, upload all the copies on our “démarches simplifiées” online checking platform. You may need to create an account to access the platform.
This step is mandatory to obtain an appointment with the Isère or Drôme Préfectures. If you cannot use this service (no computer or internet access for example), you can also bring your application file (originals and copies) to our welcome desks.

Step 3: your appointment

If your application is complete, ISSO will contact the Préfecture in order to find the earliest appointment available. You will receive your appointment date through the “démarches simplifiées” online checking platform.
 

Step 4: Submit your application

In Grenoble

The day of your appointment, submit your application to the On-campus Préfecture Office, located in the same building as ISSO
> On-campus Préfecture Office Location
Please remind to bring all your documents and their corresponding copies, as well as your ID photos.

In Valence

The day of your appointment, go directly at the Drôme Préfecture: You will have to print the appointment confirmation to be able to enter the Préfecture that day.
Please remind to bring all your documents and their corresponding copies, as well as your ID photos.

Step 5: pick up your residence permit 

Once your application has been approved by the Isère or Drôme Préfecture, a residence permit is being issued.
Each Prefecture has its own procedures for picking up your new permit.