UGA international

"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

Applications for "Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise" (RECE) or APS Jeunes diplômés residence permits are done in person (on paper application).
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 and have it checked by ISSO

Between 2 and 4 months before the expiration of your residence permit, assemble your application file by referring to the list of documents provided on the Isère Préfecture website or on ISSO's online checking tool (see below).

If you are hosted, you can use the "Attestation d'hébergement" template created by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).

Before you submit your residence permit application, Université Grenoble Alpes invites you to take of advantage of the online application checking service provided for free by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). This step is optional, but recommended as any incomplete file the day of the appointment will be rejected by the Préfecture.
Should you encounter difficulties with our online tool (not familiar with web applications or have problems accessing the internet), you can also visit one of our welcome centers and have your application checked by the ISSO team.

Step 2: make an appointment and submit your application on paper

In Grenoble

Paper applications are done only by appointment, at the On-campus Préfecture Office, located in the same building as ISSO:
The day of your appointment, please remember to bring all your documents and their corresponding paper copies, as well as your ID photos.
Incomplete application files will be automatically rejected by the Préfecture.

In Valence

Contact ISSO Valence to see how to obtain an appointment.

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 remember to bring all your documents and their corresponding copies, as well as your ID photos.

Step 3: 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.