A2 French for the multi-year residence card
Since 1 January 2026, a first multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) asks for French at A2 level for applicants under 65. See how far you are from A2 with a free 5-minute estimate.
SparkAI is an independent preparation tool. It is not the official exam, and it is not affiliated with France Éducation International, the CCI Paris Île-de-France, IRCC or any government. Only the official test gives a result you can use in an application.
The requirement
According to Service-Public.fr, you must show French at A2 for a first multi-year residence card if you are under 65. Several kinds of card are exempt, including for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless people and their families. A civic exam is also required.
Accepted proof
- A TCF (France Éducation International) or TEF (CCI Paris Île-de-France) attestation, valid 2 years
- The DUEF, DFP, DELF, DALF, DELF Pro or DCL
- A professional certification registered at level 3 or above
- A French diploma at level 3 or above (CAP, BEP…), or the brevet
Diplomas issued by a foreign authority, even in a French-speaking country, aren't accepted.
What A2 means
At A2 you can manage routine tasks: shopping, directions, talking about your day and what you did yesterday. In grammar, that usually means the present, the passé composé and the near future.
Official sources
- Service-Public.fr: Carte de résident et carte de séjour pluriannuelle : comment justifier de votre connaissance du français ? (page checked by its publisher: 10 February 2026)
- France Éducation International: TCF IRN (intégration, résidence et nationalité)
Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you book a test or apply.
Questions
What French level do I need for a multi-year residence card?
Since 1 January 2026, A2 for a first carte de séjour pluriannuelle if you are under 65, according to Service-Public.fr. Some kinds of card are exempt, for example for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless people and their families.
Which certificates are accepted?
A TCF (France Éducation International) or TEF (CCI Paris Île-de-France) attestation, valid 2 years; the DUEF, DFP, DELF, DALF, DELF Pro or DCL; a professional certification at level 3 or above; or a French diploma at level 3 or above, or the brevet. Diplomas issued by a foreign authority aren't accepted.
Is there anything else to pass?
Yes. Service-Public.fr says a civic exam is also required for the multi-year card.
What does the free estimate tell me?
An estimated level from grammar and reading questions, and how far it is from A2. It is not a TCF score and doesn't predict a result.
Is SparkAI the official test?
No. SparkAI is an independent preparation tool, not affiliated with France Éducation International, the CCI or the French administration.
Where are you now?
A free estimate of your French level and how far it is from your goal. About 5 minutes, no sign-up.
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