The Republican integration process
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You have just been issued a residence permit in France. You will be summoned by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) to follow a compulsory Republican integration process.
What is the Republican integration process?
The integration programme includes appointments with the OFII and civic and language training. This process is mandatory and begins with the signing of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR).
Starting from January 1, 2026, if you wish to obtain a multi-year residence permit, you will need to provide proof of A2 level proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You must also present a certificate of success in the civic exam.
If you present these two certificates and if you comply with the CIR and the values of French society and the Republic, the prefect may issue you a multi-year residence permit (valid for 2 to 4 years) when renewing your one-year temporary residence permit.
You cannot obtain more than three one-year temporary residence permits.
Who is concerned?
The process applies to you if you hold a temporary or multi-year residence permit with the following mentions:
- Carte de séjour vie privée et familiale (except for health reasons or for a foreigner born in France, with continuous residence in France for at least 8 years and enrolled in a French school for at least 5 years after the age of 10);
- Certificat de résidence pour Algérien;
- Carte de résident;
- Visa Long Séjour valant titre de séjour salarié;
- Carte de séjour pour exercer une profession commerciale, industrielle ou artisanale.
Are you eligible for the Republican integration process?
You are exempt if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You attended a French secondary school, in France or abroad, for at least 3 school years;
- You have pursued higher education in France for at least 1 academic year;
- You are aged between 16 and 18 years and are eligible for a 10-year residence permit.
This procedure does not apply to foreign nationals of European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland), or to their family members living in France with them.
If you were not summoned by OFII when you obtained your first residence permit, and your residence permit entitles you to sign a CIR, you can ask OFII to enroll you in a republican integration program. You should contact the OFII Territorial Direction responsible for your area of residence. You can find its contact details on the Help page.
The steps in the process
The OFII will automatically summon you. No action is required on your part.
- A welcome visit beginning with a group presentation
- A written and oral language test carried out at an OFII Territorial Direction to determine your proficiency in French;
- An individual interview with an OFII counsellor to assess your needs, prescribe training and sign the Republican Integration Contract (CIR). Depending on your situation, the counsellor will provide you with professional advice and refer you to services that will make your reception and integration easier;
Caution:
The Prefect may terminate the contract at the OFII's suggestion if you fail to participate in the training courses, without a legitimate reason, or do not meet the commitments related to the CIR. The Prefect has to inform you of their intention to terminate the contract and specify the consequences on the issuance of a multi-year residence permit.
- A 24-hour civic training course, divided into 4 days of 6 hours each
It helps you better understand life in France and also prepares you for a civic exam. This exam is important: it allows you to apply for a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French nationality.
Starting January 1, 2026, you will need to show a certificate of success in this exam to apply for a multi-year residence permit. You can retake the exam as many times as needed if you fail, but you will have to pay each time.
- A language training course, if necessary. The need for this course and its duration are determined based on your A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you are above A2 level, you do not need to take the course.
The OFII may offer you one of these courses based on your test results during the welcome visit and your needs:
- If you have major difficulties in French, you can attend a 600-hour classroom course with a teacher to help you learn to speak, read, and write French. When you sign your CIR, the OFII will give you your convocation to start the training.
- If you already have some French knowledge, you can learn online to continue improving. In this case, the OFII will send you a registration link for the Frello platform when you sign your CIR. This training is free, and you must register only using the link sent by the OFII.
You are not obliged to accept the language training offered by the OFII. However, starting January 1, 2026, you will need to present a language certificate at A2 level to obtain a multi-year residence permit. The CIR language training can help you reach this level.
It takes place within 3 months of the training courses. This interview provides an opportunity to review your integration and, if necessary, the OFII can refer you to a network employment operator, including France Travail, to provide you with a detailed interview and support to help you find a job.
Do not send your original documents
You should only send copies of your documents to the OFII, and keep the original documents unless otherwise specified by the OFII.
If you have signed a CIR and you want to improve your knowledge of the French language
If, at the end of the language training followed as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR), you have not yet reached the required French level (A2), you have the option to continue your learning with other training organizations.
This link gives you access to a list of organizations offering additional French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses, available by registration. These courses will help you strengthen your skills and/or continue progressing towards A2 level.
How do I obtain a multi-year card or a resident permit?
By signing the Republican Integration Contract (CIR), you agree to attend the prescribed training courses regularly and seriously. Ending the CIR due to non-compliance has concrete legal consequences for your residence rights:
- Renewal of the one-year residence permit:
If your CIR has been closed negatively, you will not be able to obtain a multi-year residence permit when your current permit expires. You cannot have more than three renewals of your one-year residence permit. - Access to a multi-year residence permit:
Starting January 1, 2026, if you wish to obtain a multi-year residence permit, you must prove A2 level proficiency in French according to the CEFR and provide a certificate of success in the civic exam. If you provide both certificates and have respected the CIR and the fundamental values of French society and the Republic, the prefecture may issue a multi-year residence permit when you renew your permit. This permit is generally valid for 4 years.
Resident card:
You may obtain a resident card if, in addition, you have reached A2 level in French and present a certificate of success in the civic exam with results that meet the requirements for this card.
In summary
The Republican Integration Pathway is a support programme provided by OFII for foreign nationals who have obtained their first residence permit in France. It begins with a welcome appointment and the signing of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR), which includes civic training and support tailored to your needs. Depending on your level of French, OFII may also refer you to language training. Compliance with the CIR, success in the civic examination, and, depending on your situation, obtaining a French language certification are taken into account when applying for a multi-year residence permit or a resident card.
OFII
