The language requirements for immigrants to France are changing

The French language proficiency requirements for immigrants to France have been increased. The changes are are due to a bill that was passed in January 2024 and is expected to come into force before the end of 2025.

Anyone applying for a carte de séjour, a residence permit which allows a person to remain in France, will need to provide proof of at least A2 level French. This marks a change from previous years, when applicants were not required to provide evidence of proficiency in French, instead only being required to take a pledge to attend free French lessons if their level was under A1. Applicants will now be required to pledge to uphold the values of the republic.

The level required for a Carte de résident, which permits holders to stay up to ten years in France, has increased from A2 to B1. And those applying for nationalité française, French citizenship, will now need to demonstrate a B2 level in French. In previous years, only B1 was needed.

Some applicants will be exempt from the new rules, such as visitor card holders or people with medical exceptions.

The required language levels under the new laws are based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Any certification that provides proof of an applicant’s level will be considered legitimate.

Learn French With Alexa's CPD-certified Complete French Course follows the CEFR, and provides users certification upon completion of each level. The course takes learners from A1 to C2 level over 40 in-depth video lessons, complete with support guides, quizzes and more.

Interested? Check out Lesson 16 for free.