Immigration Law and French Language

January 2026—a date dreaded by so many of our learners. It marks the moment when numerous new requirements from the Immigration Law, enacted on January 24, 2024, finally come into force.

I’m talking, of course, about the language requirements for anyone hoping to remain on French soil.

Starting in January 2026, to obtain a residence permit, a resident card, or French naturalization, applicants will need to prove they meet the new French language proficiency levels set by the law.

Rest assured, the levels are progressive—but for many foreigners wishing to carry on with their lives in France, this step feels almost impossible to climb. I use the phrase “carry on with their lives” deliberately, because I’m referring to those who entered France legally, and a long time ago.

So why is this date so feared? After all, these individuals have had plenty of time to improve their French and should, in theory, have no trouble securing an official status.The official status—the one that will finally give them the peace and security they long for. On paper, that’s true. In reality—and I see this more clearly every day—it’s far more complicated.

I meet foreigners daily who have lived in France for many years, most of them working, integrated into society, raising families, and yet trembling at the thought of this new regulation. I can’t help but think of those who have struggled for years just to renew their residence permits, moving from one short-term receipt to another, losing jobs and the income they desperately need to survive. Consider the delays caused by understaffed offices, lost or incomplete files, and the time required to verify information properly.

It’s something most French citizens never think about, but for many foreigners who love France and have lived here peacefully for years, it’s a source of chronic stress and suffering.

And then there are those seeking French naturalization who, under this new law, will need to demonstrate a B2 level in both spoken and written French. And that’s where the real challenge lies. Many of them learned French “on the job,” as we say, and now find themselves facing enormous difficulty meeting these new certification standards.

Let me be clear: I fully support the idea that foreigners coming to France should have a sufficient level of French to work, build social relationships, and lead a fulfilling life. I’m a strong advocate for integration through language learning—that’s been the mission of Langues Communication Interactive since 2007. But couldn’t we have kept the B1 level for those who have lived here for many years? I’m open to that debate.

Yes, of course, since this law was passed, many have had time to prepare and work on their French, both spoken and written. And many have done so. But let’s not be too quick to judge the others. Training is expensive, and it takes time. We cannot ignore human factors—cognitive abilities, stress, and lack of self-confidence. Learning a language to become fluent, both orally and in writing, is an investment that can feel like an unattainable luxury.

That said, all is not lost. Mastering a language is not beyond reach, and sometimes all it takes is a small spark for learning to become a joy and lead to success.

Solutions exist, and we are more committed than ever to supporting every learner in reaching the level they aspire to.