Hello community members,
I am wondering what my visa path should be for the next few years, knowing that I do have naturalization in mind for the final project. I have a B2/C1 level of French, my classes are taught in French.
I am currently in masters 2 in Toulouse with my defense / soutenance in 4 months, and my student visa extends 2 months beyond that.
The plan I have heard that most students follow after graduation is that they apply for a RECE visa (I am american) which is valid for 1 year.
I will have had 2 short term internships (one of three months (paid) and one of two months(unpaid)) both in my field and in the name of my studies.
I have seen conflicting information about salary requierments online for visa renewal, and the minimum salary is difficult to attain in my secteur (the performing arts and communication). I've seen that for a RECE visa you need to prove an income of 2,2k euros / month, how is that possible when you are looking for, so therefore do not have a job ?
Which visa should I apply for after a RECE ?
I have seen that I need a 1.5x SMIC which in 2026 would be 2.7k euros/ month, which seems unattainable for someone fresh out of a masters in the spectacle vivant. Even for a chargée de la communication, like I could be, this is a very high amount.
I currently live in Toulouse, I have the funds to support myself, I am not worried about cost of living, I am just looking at my plans for which visas I will need to continue being in good status.
Also, does it make a difference on a visa application if I found a CDD or CDI ?
Merci beaucoup !