Many Prefectures continue to deny foreigners holding a “trainee” residence permit the possibility of applying for another residence permit (such as “employee” or “student”) once their internship is over.
However, this practice has no legal basis.
In a case recently pleaded by our Firm, the Prefecture des Hauts-de-Seine had considered that a foreign intern could not request a “student” residence permit at the end of her internship.
The Administrative Court of Cergy-Pontoise canceled the Administration’s decision, stating very clearly that there is no legal provisions preventing the « trainee » residence permit holder from applying for a « student » one. (Cergy Pontoise Administrative Court, November 8, 2021 no 2013527)
The holder of a « trainee » residence permit can therefore apply for another residence permit directly before the Prefecture of his place of residence.
