Working in France as a seasonal worker is a valuable opportunity for many foreign workers. However, this status is based on a strict legal framework, particularly as regards the length of stay and conditions for renewing permits. What happens when your seasonal residence permit and your last contract expire at the same time? What steps do you need to take to continue working legally? This article explains how to avoid administrative complications.
1. Your seasonal residence permit has expired: what are the consequences?
You came to France as a seasonal worker on a visa obtained with a work permit. Once here, you applied for and obtained a seasonal residence permit valid for three years, allowing you to work in France for six months of the year.
However, your last work contract ends on the same date as the expiry of your residence permit. In this case, you are obliged to leave French territory and return to your country of origin. Seasonal worker status is based on a fundamental principle: you may not stay in France for more than six months in any twelve-month period.
2. Can a seasonal residence permit be renewed in this context?
Unlike other residence permits, seasonal residence permits are not automatically renewed. For each new six-month work period, your employer must apply for a new work permit via the dedicated platform.
Once this authorization has been obtained, you can submit a new application for a seasonal visa from your country of origin, enabling you to return to work in France legally.
3. What are the risks of staying in France illegally?
If you choose to stay in France and apply for a renewal of your residence permit when you have reached the maximum six-month period allowed, your application may be refused. Worse still, your situation could become much more complicated:
- A refusal to renew your residence permit with an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF).
- A future ban on obtaining a visa or seasonal residence permit, preventing you from working in France in the future.
- Difficulties in obtaining other visas for France or the Schengen area due to your irregular situation.
Prefectures keep a close eye on the periods of stay of seasonal workers, and do not hesitate to issue OQTFs to workers who exceed the authorized duration. So it's essential to scrupulously respect the six months out of twelve rule, and to leave the country when your permit expires.
4. How do I plan for the next season?
To avoid administrative bottlenecks, we recommend you follow these steps:
1. Anticipate the end of your contract and residence permit by discussing with your employer whether he or she wishes to rehire you for the following season.
2. Your employer should apply for a new work permit several months before the planned work period.
3. As soon as you receive this authorization, apply for a new seasonal visa from the French consulate in your home country.
4. To avoid jeopardizing your future applications, strictly observe the maximum six-month stay in France.
Conclusion
When your residence permit and seasonal contract expire simultaneously, you must leave France and return to your country of origin. Any attempt to remain in the country by applying for a renewal could result in serious penalties, jeopardizing your future employment opportunities in France.
If you have any doubts about your situation, or if you would like assistance with your application, FB AVOCAT can help you secure your status as a seasonal worker.
Contact us :
Bordeaux : 11 rue Galin, 33100
Paris : 7/11 Pl. des Cinq Martyrs du Lycée Buffon, 75014
Dakar : 14 rue Woro Fila
+33 985401864 / +221 77 173 69 05
