France welcomes many students and young professionals each year who wish to complete an internship in a company or host organisation in order to gain international professional experience.
When the internship lasts more than three months and the candidate is a national of a country outside the European Union, obtaining a long-stay “intern” visa is generally required to carry out the internship legally.
This visa allows the intern to stay in France for the duration specified in the internship agreement and to perform the professional tasks defined in that framework.
However, the procedure requires the preparation of a detailed administrative file, including a tripartite internship agreement and several administrative validations.
JJP Visas Consulting assists candidates and host organisations in preparing the visa application to secure the process between the host organisation, the training institution and the French authorities.
A compliant internship agreement
The visa application is based on a tripartite internship agreement, signed between:
- The intern
- The host organisation in France
- The educational institution or training organisation
This agreement must comply with French legislation and may, in some cases, require pre-approval by the competent administrative authority (DREETS).
An internship lasting more than three months
When the internship lasts more than three months, it generally falls under the VLS-TS “intern” long-stay visa.
This visa must be validated online after arrival in France to regularise the intern’s stay.
What the long-stay intern visa allows
The long-stay intern visa allows the candidate to complete their internship in France legally and within a regulated framework.
Stay in France for the duration of the internship
The visa holder may reside in France for the entire duration of the internship, up to a maximum of twelve months. The exact duration corresponds to that indicated in the internship agreement.
Carry out the tasks defined in the agreement
The internship must be carried out in accordance with the conditions defined in the agreement:
- Tasks assigned to the intern
- Weekly working hours
- Supervision by a tutor
- Educational objectives
Receive an internship allowance
When the internship exceeds the thresholds set by French law, the host organisation must pay a minimum internship allowance.
This allowance is not a salary but a regulated indemnity.
A status limited to the internship
The intern visa is strictly limited to the internship mentioned in the agreement.
It does not allow the intern to take up other paid employment or change host organisation without a new administrative procedure.
Support for the intern visa application
Preparing an intern visa application often requires coordinating several actors: the intern, the host organisation and the training institution.
Support helps verify the compliance of the internship project and prepare the administrative file.
Verification of internship eligibility
The first step is to analyse the internship project to ensure it fits the legal framework of the intern visa. This may include:
- Reviewing the internship agreement and signatories
- Verifying the duration and allowance conditions
- Assessing the coherence between the internship and the candidate’s training
If the activity resembles employment rather than an internship, other administrative options may be considered.
Assistance with preparing the visa application
Support may also include preparing the visa file, including:
- Assistance with the administrative validation of the internship agreement
- Preparing a personalised list of required documents
- Verifying identity, financial and insurance documents
- Completing the France-Visas application
- Booking the consulate or visa centre appointment
- Preparing the file for consular authorities
Assistance may also be provided to respond to additional requests during the application process.
Fee for visa application assistance: €600 (excluding visa fees and service provider fees).
Support after arrival in France
After entering France, certain administrative steps must be completed to finalise the intern’s status. Support may include:
- Assistance with online validation of the VLS-TS
- Help responding to additional requests from administrative authorities
Fee for residence formalities: €1,000.
A complete package for simplicity
For those seeking full support, a comprehensive package is available, including:
- Visa application preparation
- Assistance with visa validation upon arrival
- Support for the first residence permit application when the professional situation evolves
Total fee: €1,500.
Payment and refund conditions
Payments are organised according to the stages of the procedure:
- €600 at the start of the visa application
- €1,000 only after the visa is issued, for residence formalities
For the full package:
- €600 at the start
- €900 after the visa is issued
Partial refunds may apply in certain situations, particularly when administrative conditions are not met or when the procedure cannot continue. Details are provided in the general service conditions.