From May 12, 2025, the TCF Integration, Residence and Nationality (IRN) test will allow candidates to be evaluated up to level B2.
Following the promulgation of Law No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, the new government requirements for mastery of French are evolving and will be applied by the authorities no later than January 1, 2026:
- For naturalization, a B2 level will be required (currently B1 required);
- For a resident card, a B1 level will be required (currently A2 required);
- For a multi-year residence card, an A2 level will be required (currently none required).
To anticipate these new requirements, the TCF IRN is adapting and allowing candidates to be evaluated up to level B2 from May 12, 2025.
Only the comprehension tests undergo modifications:
- The listening test will increase from 20 to 25 questions and from 15 to 20 minutes;
- The reading test will increase from 20 to 25 questions and from 20 to 35 minutes.
TCF IRN B1 certificates are valid for naturalization until the promulgation of the decree (date of publication unknown to date).
For other applications (resident card and multi-year residence card), these certificates remain valid until their expiry date.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.