Camille Moreau / Photo credits: PAULINE TOURNIER / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 10:44 a.m., February 21, 2024

For foreigners who wish to obtain French nationality, it is time to learn French. The immigration law has strengthened the requirements in this area and it is no longer enough to know the basics of the language to obtain the precious sesame.

Residence permit, resident card, naturalization… In France, to obtain these qualifications, foreigners must demonstrate a certain level of language. The immigration law, promulgated at the end of January, reinforced these requirements. For example, to obtain French nationality, knowing the basics of French is no longer enough. You now need to know how to speak the language fluently. Training centers allow foreigners to learn French and pass their language certifications, such as AVD Formation in Paris. Europe 1 attended a course.

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B2 level required to apply for nationality

“Among the four photos, I chose two.” On the board, Fatimah teaches the basics of French to foreign students. With the immigration law, it has become more demanding. “As it will move to level B2 for naturalization, I now prefer to insist on everything they do and work well, because level B2 is not simple,” she explains.

In detail, to obtain the multi-year card, it is now necessary to have an intermediate level A2 French diploma. For the resident card, an advanced B1 level and for nationality, a B2 level. 

“In whatever country you are, you have to learn the language, it’s important”

Arriving in France four years ago, Zakia is quick to write everything down. In two months, the Algerian will take her language certificate. “[I do this] for work, to communicate with people. I am proud of myself because I put a lot of effort into getting there,” she slips into the microphone of Europe 1.

For his part, Amadou, a Senegalese, who arrived in France 15 years ago, hopes to obtain French nationality. "When I arrived in France, I got by. I started to speak French well. In any country you are in, you have to learn the language, it's important," he says. With this certificate, he also hopes to find a job in security for the Olympic Games next July.