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This will allow you to easily request an appointment. Thus, you can move forward with the steps to become French.
Introduction
Obtaining the French citizenship application is crucial for foreign residents in France. It grants them all the rights of French citizens. Before starting the process, check if you meet the requirements. These concern the duration of residence in France, ties to the country, and speaking French.
Importance of French nationality
Having French nationality offers significant advantages. For example, the right to vote, certain jobs, and the ability to stay in France without limits. It is also important for feeling part of society.
Prerequisites to fulfill
Before starting, ensure you meet a few points. Such as a minimum length of residence in France, strong ties to the country, and being proficient in French. These elements vary depending on the chosen procedure (naturalization or declaration).
Digitization of the application for access to French nationality
Since July 2021, you can submit your digitization application for French nationality online. This takes place on the website: administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. Thus, you do not have to travel or send a file by mail. You will be informed about what is happening with your application. And if more information is needed, you can easily add it.
Submit your application online
The online submission of your French nationality application is simple and quick. No more trips to the prefecture or mailing your documents. Everything is done online, in your personal space. It is on the website of the administration for foreigners in France.
Advantages of digitization
Going through digitization is pleasant and saves time. You are kept informed by email about the status of your application. And adding additional documents is done online. A complete follow-up of your file is provided in your secure personal space.
Naturalization by decree procedure
Naturalization by decree is a way to obtain French nationality. To obtain it, you must meet certain criteria and submit a complete file.
Eligibility criteria
You must live in France for at least 5 years to become French by decree. Then, proving your integration is essential. This is done by showing that you speak French well and are close to French culture.
Supporting documents to provide
For your naturalization application, you will need to provide various documents. This includes:
- Identity documents (passport, identity card, birth certificate…)
- Proof of residence (bills, rent receipts…)
- Elements proving your family and professional situation
- Evidence of your integration into French society
It is essential to submit all these documents within the required deadlines. This ensures that your file is properly examined.
Appointment at the prefecture for French nationality
It is now possible to make an appointment online for your prefecture appointment interdepartmental platform for nationality. This is done on your prefecture's website. It happens 4 weeks in advance, every Monday at 7 AM.
The waiting times vary depending on the regions. On average, you have to wait weeks. It is better to have your file ready before taking your slot.
Make an appointment online and explanatory videos
You can make an appointment online for certain acts at the Hauts-de-Seine prefecture. This concerns cases such as marriage or direct family ties. Availability appears every Monday at 7 AM, 4 weeks in advance.
Approximate waiting times
The waiting times change depending on the locations. Generally, expect weeks of waiting for an appointment at the prefecture. To avoid delays, book as soon as possible and ensure that your file is complete.
Naturalization by declaration
There is another way to become French. It is by declaration. For example, if you marry a French person or if you have a French parent, you can apply for nationality. The required documents vary depending on your situation.
Specific conditions
To be accepted, you must meet certain criteria. These criteria concern your family and how you integrate into France. It is important to check if you meet all these conditions before going to the prefecture.
Required documents
When you make your request, you must present a complete file. This file includes identity papers, proof of address, and other documents about your family and work life. Proof of your adaptation in France is also essential. If you forget any documents, they will ask you to return later.
Required level of proficiency in the French language
Since August 2020, you need a B1 level in oral and written French to become French. You need a diploma or a language test, unless you are 60 years or older. Or if your health does not allow you to take the exam.
| Criteria | Required level | Accepted proofs |
|---|---|---|
| Application for letter of request for French nationality by naturalization or marriage | B1 level in oral and written |
|
| Exemptions | No proof required |
|
Detailed information about prefecture appointment for naturalization and the B1 level is available on service-public.fr.
Support and assistance
For your naturalization Lyon procedures, there are valuable aids. They assist you from the beginning. You will have the support of the
Citizen Contact Center
, accessible by phone or an online form. They answer all your questions. There are also
digital welcome points at the prefecture
available for you if the internet is not accessible. You will receive tailored assistance there.
These aids are crucial to facilitate your procedures. They inform, support, and guide you at every step.
Processing the file
After submitting your file, monitor its progress online. The administration will inform you of any additional information required in real-time. Respond quickly to requests so that your file is not forgotten after 2 months. Stay attentive and frequently visit your personal space.
Monitoring progress
Track the progress of your French nationality application online. Be ready to add any requested supplement to your file when asked.
Requests for supplements
If the administration requests more information, respond quickly, within a maximum of 2 months. This prevents your application from being abandoned. Frequently check for updates and changes from your protected space.
Integration interview
You will have an integration interview at the prefecture for your naturalization procedure and the conditions for French nationality. This is an important step to test your integration and your French. It is crucial to prepare well for this step.
Since 2013, an oral interview has replaced the multiple-choice questionnaire. You will need to show that you know French history, geography, and culture well. You will also explain why you wish to become a citizen.
It is recommended to prepare by reading French manuals. The interview allows the agent to understand your motivations. They also want to see if you feel well integrated into French society.
| Type of procedure | Average delay for the integration interview |
|---|---|
| Naturalization by decree | 24 to 30 months between the issuance of the deposit certificate and the appointment |
| Naturalization by declaration (marriage, sibling, ancestor) | November 2023 to November 2026 |
There are places to help you, such as the Citizen Contact Center (CCC). These aids are there to guide you and prepare you as best as possible.
Welcome ceremony for French citizenship and the interdepartmental platform
If you become a French citizen, you will attend a welcome ceremony. There, you will take an oath and receive a certificate. It marks your entry into the community of French citizens.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Ratio of people involved in the welcome ceremony for French citizenship by decree or by declaration | – |
| Average delay for receiving the invitation to the ceremony after acquiring prefecture appointment for naturalization | – |
| Percentage of people who acquired French nationality by birth in France to 2 foreign parents and receiving the invitation within 6 months following the issuance of the French nationality certificate | – |
| Average number of leave granted to employees and their spouses to attend the welcome ceremony for French citizenship | – |
| Distribution of ceremony organizers: departmental prefect, police prefecture, mayor, competent French consular authority | – |
| Satisfaction rate or usefulness of the information page on the naturalization ceremony | – |
In Oise, in 2021, 670 people became French. Among them, 493 obtained nationality by decree, and 177 by marriage. At the beginning of 2022, 840 people applied. 34 people from 19 countries received their nationality and a decree during an official ceremony.
Application fees
If you submit an application for naturalization procedure in France, you will have to pay application fees and the steps to follow for the nationality application. These fees vary depending on your specific case and the type of application (decree or declaration). Go to the prefecture or visit the service-public.fr website to check current rates.
| Procedure | Application fees |
|---|---|
| Declaration of nationality | 55 € |
| Naturalization by decree | 55 € |
Make sure you fully understand the application fees you need to pay. This will help you organize for the naturalization procedure.
Conclusion
Becoming a French citizen is a significant step. It gives you rights and duties in France. The procedures have become simpler thanks to the internet and the available assistance.
It is important to be cautious and seek help if needed. With a little support, successfully obtaining your nationality application is possible. You will join the French community.
You can choose to naturalize in two ways. Whatever your choice, follow the instructions. Soon, you will be a proud citizen of France.
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