French language test to get tougher

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has asked the Interior Ministry to come up with proposals for “strengthening requirements for the French level of candidates” by summer 2019.

At present, candidates have to reach B1 European level, which means they can understand and converse on everyday subjects.

But Mr Philippe said in a speech in March that being able to speak French well is essential for anyone wishing to become a citizen.

There have been suggestions a new test might require a B2 level, equivalent to being able to understand and discuss more complex texts such as newspaper articles or a French film.

Mr Philippe also said there were inconsistencies in the rules governing those who are exempt from the test, including people over 60.

He said the language test had recently been made more difficult for non-EU long-term residency card applicants and officials would look at how that had worked when drawing up new standards for the language test for nationality.

He also said that 30% of citizenship applicants are turned down.

See also I sat the test to become French and The French nationality culture test