Visa Guide for Culinary Internships in France

A step-by-step breakdown of the visa process for culinary and hospitality interns heading to France — timelines, documents, and tips.

Navigating the French visa process can seem daunting, but with the right information and timeline, it's a straightforward procedure. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a visa for your culinary or hospitality internship in France.

Which Visa Do You Need?

The type of visa depends on your nationality, the duration of your internship, and your current student status. The most common options for culinary interns are:

• Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) — for internships under 90 days
• Long-stay visa (VLS-TS) — for internships exceeding 90 days, functions as a residence permit
• Student visa — if your internship is part of a degree program with a convention de stage
• Working Holiday visa — available to citizens of certain countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc.)

The Convention de Stage

A convention de stage is a three-party agreement between you, your educational institution, and the host company. It's required for most internships in France and serves as the legal framework for your placement. Without it, you cannot obtain an intern visa. Your school or placement agency will help you prepare this document.

Required Documents

While requirements vary by consulate, you'll typically need:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your planned stay)
• Completed visa application form (available on France-Visas website)
• Passport-size photos meeting French specifications
• Signed convention de stage
• Proof of accommodation in France
• Proof of financial means (bank statements showing sufficient funds)
• Health insurance valid in France for the duration of your stay
• Flight itinerary or reservation
• Letter of acceptance from the host establishment

Timeline and Process

Start the visa process at least 3 months before your intended departure date. Here's a typical timeline:

• 3 months before: Gather all documents and confirm your convention de stage
• 2.5 months before: Schedule your visa appointment at the French consulate
• 2 months before: Attend your visa appointment and submit your application
• 4–6 weeks before: Visa processing (times vary by country and season)
• 2 weeks before: Receive your visa and finalize travel plans

After Arrival in France

If you hold a VLS-TS visa, you must validate it online within 3 months of arrival through the ANEF platform. This step is essential — failure to validate your visa can result in legal complications and affect your ability to stay in France.

How Global Career Pro Helps

We guide our interns through every step of the visa process — from preparing the convention de stage to reviewing your application documents. Our experience with consulates worldwide means we can anticipate issues before they arise and ensure your application is complete and accurate.