France Shortage Occupation Regularization: Requirements

Who can apply

To regularize your status through a shortage occupation, you must prove that you have lived in France continuously for at least 3 years. You must also have worked in a shortage occupation for at least 12 months during the last 24 months. You must hold a job that is on the official shortage list at the time of your application.^[1][2][3]

In general cases, the prefecture may ask you to show that you have lived in France for at least 7 years. You must also show you are integrated into French society by speaking French. You must commit to respecting the principles of the French Republic. Finally, you must not have any convictions, incapacities, or forfeitures on your criminal record.^[4][5][6][7]

Documents you need

You must provide 3 passport photos for your application. You must also provide a proof of address that is less than 6 months old.^[8][9]

You must present the cerfa form n°15186 completed and signed by your employer. For shortage occupations, you must complete and sign the work authorization application form yourself without your employer's help.^[10][11][12]

How to apply and timing

You must submit your application file to the prefecture where you live. If the prefecture does not reply to you within 4 months, it means your application has been refused.^[13][14]

Checklist

• Prove you have lived in France continuously for at least 3 years^[1]
• Show 12 months of work in a shortage occupation over the last 24 months^[2]
• Hold a job on the official shortage list at the time of application^[3]
• Provide 3 passport photos^[8]
• Provide a proof of address less than 6 months old^[9]
• Submit the completed and signed cerfa form n°15186^[10]
• Sign the work authorization form yourself for shortage occupations^[11][12]

Questions people ask

This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.