French Nationality Application: Understanding Language Certificate Validity and Requirements
- Formalitee xyz
- 5 déc. 2024
- 2 min de lecture
Dernière mise à jour : 9 déc. 2024
05/12/2024

What question prompted the creation of this post 05/12/2024
Nationality: US
Titre de Séjour: Salarié (1 year)
I plan to apply for French nationality in February and have a TCF B1 certificate valid until October 2025. Do I need to retake the test before applying, or can I use the current certificate and retake it later if asked? If a retake is necessary, should I aim for B2 instead? Thanks for your help!
Top Answers
Why don't you do the DELF B2. It's for life x
As long as the rule does not change then the B1 certificate will be accepted. You only need to have your dossier accepted before the expiry date, if that is done then you do not need to pass another test.
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AI-Generated
Based on your current situation and the information provided, here's what you need to know about applying for French nationality:
Current Requirements
As of now, applicants for French nationality need to provide evidence of having at least a B1 level in French. Your current TCF B1 certificate, which is valid until October 2025, meets this requirement.
Upcoming Changes
However, it's important to note that there are new, tougher French language rules for immigration coming into effect. According to recent changes, applicants for French nationality will soon need to demonstrate a B2 level (upper intermediate) instead of B1.
Recommendations
Given your situation, here are some recommendations:
Use Current Certificate: You can proceed with your application in February using your current B1 certificate, as it is still valid and meets the current requirements.
Be Prepared for Potential Changes: Given the upcoming changes to language requirements, be prepared for the possibility that you might be asked to demonstrate a B2 level during the application process.
Consider Retaking at the B2 Level: If you have the time and resources, it might be beneficial to retake the test at the B2 level before applying. This could strengthen your application and potentially save time if the new requirements are implemented during your application process.
Check for Updates: Before submitting your application, check for any updates on the implementation date of the new B2 requirement. If it's implemented before your application, you may need to retake the test at the B2 level.
Additional Information
The TCF certificate is valid for 2 years. Your current certificate is still within this validity period.
The TCF IRN (Integration, Residence and Nationality) test assesses linguistic skills in oral and written comprehension and expression.
Some individuals may be exempt from providing language proof, such as those who have studied in French in a francophone country or refugees over 70 who have resided in France for at least 15 years.
In conclusion, while you can use your current B1 certificate for now, considering the upcoming changes, aiming for a B2 level could be advantageous for your nationality application.
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