B1 French for the carte de résident
Since 1 January 2026, a first resident card asks for French at B1 level for applicants under 65, for the cards concerned. See how far you are from B1 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 B1 for a first resident card if you are under 65. Only some resident cards are concerned: the page gives the spouse of a French national and the parent of a French child as examples. 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 B1 means
At B1 you can get by in most everyday situations, tell a story, and give and explain your opinion on familiar topics. In grammar, that usually means the past tenses, the future and the main pronouns.
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 carte de résident?
Since 1 January 2026, B1 for a first resident card if you are under 65, according to Service-Public.fr. Only some resident cards are concerned (for example as the spouse of a French national or the parent of a French child).
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 French the only condition?
No. Service-Public.fr says passing a civic exam is also required for the resident card.
Does the estimate give me a TCF result?
No. It is an estimate of your level from grammar and reading questions, with the gap to B1. It is not a TCF score and can't be used in an application.
Is SparkAI official?
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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