New French Immigration Law Requires Language Test for Foreigners: Impact on Pakistani Students and Residents
A new immigration law by the French government has added a requirement of obtaining a language test for foreigners intending to live in the country. This law is expected to be operational by January 1, 2026, and could have far reaching impacts on both existing residents and prospective foreign students — which includes a considerable chunk of Pakistani nationals in France or intending to move to France.
Key Points of the New Immigration Law
Implementation Date: January 1, 2026.
Trial Period: Proposed for July 2025, but it has not been officially confirmed yet.
Language Requirement Levels:
A2 (Elementary): for multi-year residency permits.
B1 (Intermediate): for 10-year residency permits and French citizenship.
Language Test: All applicants for any permit must take a test within the standard French language requisites corresponding to the type of permit being sought.
Risk of Deportation: Applicants who do not meet the residency permit renewal conditions will be eligible for deportation if the language ability prerequisite is not fulfilled.
Limited Language Resources: The reduction of classroom-based teaching of the French language may prevent some applicants from attaining the required levels of proficiency needed.
Effects on Education of Pakistani Students in France
Pakistani Students French Side
Case study: One of the students from Pakistan studying in France already holds a student’s visa and intends to stay in the country after graduation using a Post Study Work (PSW) visa.
Conditions & Impact:
In order to move from a PSW to a multi-year residency permit, they have to reach A2 level in French.
For a 10-year residency card or even citizenship, they will require a B1 level.
Students lacking focus on language will have a harder time meeting these thresholds, which places their post-graduation plans of staying in France under jeopardy.
Scarcity of face-to-face lessons may greatly impede learners in attaining the requisite level of mastery.
Pakistani Students Preparing to Travel Study France
Case study: There is an international student intending to commence studies in France in 2025, and plans to settle down in France after completing their studies.
Conditions & Impact:
Upon completion of studies and subsequently applying for a PSW visa, the student will require an A2 level for residency and B1 level for long-term residency or citizenship.
Working on French early on is crucial. Waiting until the deadline may complicate long-term stay avenues.
Students are expected to proactively take steps to learn French in addition to tackling their course work.
Summary of Important Points for Pakistani Students
Begin Studying French Early
Language training needs to begin before getting into France, and reaching A2 level must be during studies for those with plans to settle in the country.
Plans for Residency Should be in Long-Term Terms
Long term career or permanent residency students need to skyrocket towards B1 grade, which will need more time and effort beyond academic studies.
Very Few French Language Courses Available
The lack of face-to-face French language classes may negatively impact students who do not have good learning resources, and is particularly worrying for learners residing in rural areas or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Deportation Risk
Not meeting new target language standards will have serious ramifications, including losing the ability to have residency permits renewed or deportation. In any case, students need to be diligent enough to meet these standards.
Final Remarks
It is clear that the French immigration reform will impact Pakistanis with the added language stipulations. Be it the Pakistani students already in France or those traveling soon, French needs to be understood deeply for an advantageous foothold in the country. Complying with these criteria along with some advance planning will improve the process of shifting to work and eventually residence or citizenship in France.