Debunking a pervasive myth: The student-to-employee status change

Let's clear up a tenacious false belief: no, a salary equivalent to 1.5 times the French minimum wage (SMIC) is not an absolute condition for a student to change their status to an "employee".This salary threshold, when paired with a Master's degree, actually provides a procedural exemption. It allows the employer to bypass the standard labor market test, which requires proving that no suitable candidates were available locally. For all other scenarios, the path remains open. It simply requires following the standard process of publishing the job offer and having the employment situation reviewed.

2025 regulatory update : What's new for employers

The year 2025 marks a turning point with a tightening of documentary prerequisites for work authorizations. Companies must now include the following in their applications:
● Proof of job publication : évidence that the job offer was posted on the official France Travail platfomr for three consecutive weeks.● Certificate of good standing : An attestation de vigilance confirming that the company is up-to-date with its social security contributions.● Proof of past activity for students : For appliquants transitioning from a student or "job search" permit, évidence of their previous professional activities in France is now required.

The employer's golden rule : due diligence

Beyond any new regulation, one golden rule remains: the prior verification of a candidate's right to reside and work in France. This foundational step of due diligence, sometimes supplemented by permit authentication with the Prefecture, is the cornerstone of any secure international recruitment.