American Outbound • French-American Chamber of Commerce

American Outbound Program

As part of the FACC-NY’s mission to strengthen cultural and professional exchange, our American Outbound program facilitates the visa application process for qualified young Americans aspiring to work in France for up to 18 months under a “jeune professionnel” visa.

The FACC-NY partners with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) as well as the French Regional Labor Bureaus (DREETS) to expedite candidates’ visas and work authorizations.

Program Requirements

Who is Eligible?

American citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, possessing a degree/certification or relevant work experience in their preferred field of work are invited to apply.

Which Companies are Eligible to Host Americans?

Most French private and public businesses located in France. Teaching programs in the public school system are not eligible.

What are the Position Requirements?

• Full-time (35 hours/week)
• 3 to 18 months in duration
• Employee must be paid at least the French minimum wage known as the SMIC
• The employment contract must be a “Contrat à Durée Déterminée” (CDD)

American Outbound Application & Information

Required candidate application materials:

All materials must be translated in French (official translation is not necessary)
Your CV in French
Previous work or internship contracts
Copies of University transcripts and/or university diploma
Photocopy of the first six pages of your valid U.S. passport and any visas
Two passport-sized photos
Cover letter in French
Signed “Engagement de retour”

Required French Host Company materials:

Four stamped copies of the ‘contrat de travail’
CERFA no15187*02 (if the candidate resides outside of France)
Bordereau de versement de cotisations
Extrait de KBIS
A 72€ tax – Starting January 1st, 2023 a 72 euro tax must be paid to “la Direction générale des Finances publiques (DGFiP)” by companies that wish to host a foreign employee in France. See OFII website for further information.

The Application Process

(1) – Secure a job offer in France. See our tips and resources for more information.

(2) – Contact the FACC-NY for visa application materials to be completed by applicant and French Host Company

(3) – After the FACC-NY receives your completed application materials, your Account Manager will begin the reviewal and submission process. Please allow 2 weeks for your Account Manager to review application documents and submit to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).

(4) – Once your application has been reviewed and approved by OFII, you will receive confirmation to visit the VFS Global Center closest to your hometown in the US to obtain your visa. Note: OFII approval times can vary throughout the year.

(5) – Start your professional training in France and make the most of your cultural exchange experience. Make sure to keep in touch with the FACC-NY!

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no official minimum French language competency required.

For a visa extension in the American Outbound program, you may extend your internship to the maximum duration of 18 months.

The American Outbound agreement with OFII can only be used once in a candidate’s lifetime and exists outside all of the other visa application processes. The candidate must return to the United States after the program, but there is no minimum time required outside of France and another visa application may be launched alongside the “visa jeune professionnel”.

Application fees are $400 to the FACC-NY and are the responsibility of the candidate.

As a foreign employee on a short-term contract (CDD), American Outbound candidates are entitled to the same rights to access of the French National healthcare system as any other salaried employee.