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I have an EU Blue Card issued by France since 2019 which expires in April 2023. I was working until December 2021 and then in 2022, I was enrolled in a Masters program in France. I studied while on a 'training leave' (conge formation) from work. So, I was studying on my EU Blue Card and did not have a student visa. Now, I wish to quit my job and search for something better. However, the issue I face is that for my renewal, I need an employer attestation, which I will not have if I quit.

I am not sure about the options that I have. These are the questions that are stuck in my head while I try to make a decision.

  • Should I stay with my employer till I receive the récépissé ?
  • Can I quit and still apply for a renewal of the Blue Card?
  • Can I quit and apply for a job search visa?
  • Do I qualify for pole emploi (unemployment benefits)? If so, can I prolong my stay using this?

I'm looking for any guidance from the community as I am genuinely lost.

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Should I stay with my employer till I receive the récépissé?

This sounds like the safest plan. Generally speaking, I don't see many benefits in quitting before you found another job. Do no underestimate how long recruitment processes can be in France.

Even after renewing the card, you would be on a clock to find a new job and at the mercy of the préfecture. If you can help it and can tolerate your current job, I strongly recommend against creating that kind of pressure for yourself.

Can I quit and still apply for a renewal of the Blue Card?

No, a form from your employer and various other documens related to your job / occupation are indeed explicit requirements. You would risk a refusal and OQTF (giving you 30 days to leave France) and would be even worse off.

Can I quit and apply for a job search visa?

I don't know about that. The visa seems designed for people who came to France as students and service-public lists a student residence permit as one of the requirements. You won't be able to present that, which makes this route risky.

Do I qualify for pole emploi (unemployment benefits)? If so, can I prolong my stay using this?

Not if your quit without justification. You can only get unemployment benefits if you are laid off, fired (even fired for cause, unless it's a faute lourde), or quit for a number of specific reasons (like moving to live with your spouse after the wedding). I am not sure how the time spent studying under the congé formation would count towards your unemployment benefits but this is moot if you quit.

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  • Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful!
    – skrymir
    Jan 9, 2023 at 16:15

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