In the French parliament, they once again talked about approving a new immigration law, despite the changes in the country's migration policy, which came into effect in January 2024.

What rules and requirements have changed for foreigners in 2024 and what innovations are predicted for 2025? We tell.

France's new migration law in 2024

On January 27, 2024, the French government published a new immigration law that came into effect immediately. His main task was to fight illegal migration and control the stay of foreign workers. Basic provisions:

The law introduced a new residence permit for doctors, dentists, pharmacists and midwives who are citizens of non-EU countries. The duration of the permit is four years (with the possibility of extension).

Previously, there was no separate permit for medical workers. This category of specialists submitted a package of documents on general grounds.

Such a change is aimed at solving the problem of labor shortage in the field of health care. Foreign citizens have benefited from a new, simplified way of obtaining a residence permit, which will not require a separate work permit.

2. Restrictions on the extension of certain temporary residence permits.

Foreign nationals who are holders of a "salarié" permit and certain family visas can no longer extend their temporary residence permit more than three times in a row. However, this category of expats can still change their residence permit category if they meet the requirements.

Previously, there was no limit on how many times a person could renew a temporary residence permit. In general, the French authorities believe that foreigners should obtain the right to another, longer-term type of permit (multi-year) before reaching the limit of three extensions.

3. Regulating the work of undocumented foreign workers in industries and fields where there is a shortage of talent.

The law introduces a one-year (renewable) residence permit for undocumented foreigners in France to work in sectors and areas experiencing labor shortages. Approving applications will be at the discretion of the prefecture of each region.

To be eligible, applicants must have lived in France for three consecutive years and worked for at least 12 of the 24 months preceding the application. This provision will be in force until 31 December 2026 (subject to review by the French Parliament for a possible extension).

Previously, legalization of undocumented foreign workers was available only on a case-by-case basis.

The law is likely to expand employers' access to much-needed workers amid tight global labor markets, while allowing undocumented foreigners a path to legal residency in France. The regularization scheme will apply to jobs on the national shortage list, which will be reviewed at least once a year.

4. More stringent requirements for the French language.

The new immigration law emphasizes the importance of French language skills and the principles and values ​​of the French Republic.

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A recently passed immigration law in France introduced stricter requirements for French language proficiency.

What categories of foreigners are affected by the changes to knowledge of the French language signed by the French government?

 These changes apply to persons who signed the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) and have the following immigration statuses:

- "Salarié" (local employees).

- "Vie privée et familiale" (in the category of private and family life).

- “Entrepreneur / Profession libérale” (entrepreneurs and self-employed liberal professionals; those with self-regulated careers that require intellectual, technical or scientific knowledge, such as lawyers, doctors and architects).

- "Profession commerciale, industrielle ou artisanale" (commercial, industrial or craft professions)

These changes do not affect the talent card and intra-corporate migrant (ICT) visa category.

New French language requirements for CIR signatories

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals moving to France for work or family reunification, depending on their immigration status as stated above, must complete some CIR formalities. Currently it is necessary:

1. Sign the CIR (upon arrival or request at the French Office of Immigration and Integration at the place of residence);

2. Full language training;

3. Take a four-day civic training course.

According to the current rules, CIR signatories must reach level A1 (absolute/beginner) in French to obtain a multi-year residence permit. Those who do not reach A1 level must attend classes for up to 600 hours. The French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) conducts these training sessions and language tests in written and oral form according to the standards of the Common European Guidelines for Language Education (CEFRL).

New French language requirements for applicants seeking a multi-year permit.

Under the new requirements, applicants wishing to obtain a multi-year residence permit must now demonstrate a minimum knowledge of French at A2 (Advanced Beginners) level, which includes an understanding of relevant sentences and frequently used expressions.

In addition to the language requirements, CIR signatories will also need to pass a civics test on the values ​​and principles of the Republic in order to receive the multi-year card.

New French language requirements for applicants applying for French citizenship.

As for obtaining French citizenship, the level of knowledge of the French language will be increased from B1 to B2 (applicants must understand complex topics, communicate freely with native speakers and write detailed texts on various topics).

How to confirm the level of knowledge of the French language?

To prove their knowledge of the French language, applicants can take official tests such as the Test of Knowledge (TCF) or the DELF Diploma in French (DELF), provide a B1 diploma or certificate, or prove a sufficient knowledge of the French language.

When will the French language requirements come into effect?

Unlike other restrictions and requirements, changes regarding the higher level of language proficiency and the citizenship test have not yet been implemented. According to the calendar provided by the government, implementing decrees are expected by December 2025. They are likely to enter into force on January 1, 2026.

However, since the procedure for applying for citizenship is a lengthy process, it is recommended to anticipate these changes.

What the French authorities plan to include in the new immigration law that will be introduced in 2025

According to spokeswoman Maude Bregeon, the French government insists on adopting a new immigration law by the beginning of 2025. The new law is expected to include measures to extend the detention period for undocumented migrants who pose a threat from 90 days to 210 days. Also, the country's leadership is seriously considering the approval of other provisions to increase the level of security in the country.

The government also aims to tighten regularization rules, limiting the right of undocumented migrants. The leadership also plans to revise the articles of the 2024 migration law, which were previously rejected by the Constitutional Council.

Possible future changes may include the following provisions:

- Changing the social assistance payment procedure.

- Citizenship by birth will cease to be granted automatically.

- Strengthened family reunification rules.

- Preventive arrest of asylum seekers.

- Restriction of access to a residence permit for foreigners with certain diseases.

- Loss of citizenship in case of committing a crime.

- Introduction of migration quota.

French immigration law is quite dynamic, so keep an eye on Visit World's News section for all the latest developments in the world of travel and migration.

We will remind you! French migration law distinguishes several categories of visas depending on the duration of the trip and the purpose of the foreigner's stay in the country. We have already told what types of French visas a foreigner can get in 2024.