Get to B2 French for your naturalisation

What changed in 2026

Until the end of 2025, a B1 level of French was enough to apply for French nationality. Since January 1, 2026, applicants must prove at least B2 on the CEFR scale (CECRL in French), in both written and oral French. The rule comes from decree no. 2025-648 of July 15, 2025 and applies to every application submitted from 2026 onward, whether you're applying for naturalisation by decree or by declaration through marriage to a French citizen. Applications under the old B1 rule had to be complete by December 31, 2025.

Naturalisation by decree also now requires passing the new civic exam (examen civique): 40 multiple-choice questions in French in 45 minutes, with 32 correct answers (80%) needed to pass. Because the exam is written in French, your language level matters there too.

Which certificates are accepted

You can prove your level with:

• TCF IRN, the Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité version of the TCF from France Éducation international. Since May 2025 it measures up to B2. Valid for 2 years.
• TEF IRN, the equivalent version of the TEF from the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce. Valid for 2 years.
• DELF B2 (or DALF C1/C2), a permanent diploma from the French Ministry of Education. It never expires.
• A French diploma (for example the baccalauréat), which may exempt you from a language test.

Note that TCF Canada and TEF Canada are different exams. They're designed for Canadian immigration and are not the IRN versions French prefectures expect. Always check the current list on service-public.gouv.fr or with your prefecture before you book.

This is practice, not the official exam

ImChatty doesn't administer the TCF IRN, TEF IRN or DELF, and we can't issue a certificate for your dossier. We offer a free level check, free French conversation practice, and paid sessions with independent French tutors who can prepare you for the real test.

Why B2 is a real step up from B1

At B1 you can handle everyday situations and talk about familiar topics. At B2 you're expected to follow complex discussions, give a clear argued opinion, and write structured texts on general subjects. For many long-term residents who learned French "on the job", the gap isn't vocabulary. It's structure: arguing a point, using the right connectors, and writing clearly under exam conditions. That's exactly what a tutor can work on with you.

Where ImChatty fits

1. Check your level for free. The CEFR level check estimates your level in under 15 minutes, so you know whether you're at B1, close to B2, or already there.
2. Practice conversation. Free French chat helps you get more comfortable speaking every day.
3. Book a French tutor. Work on the oral and written tasks of the TCF IRN, TEF IRN or DELF B2 with a tutor who can structure your preparation around your test date.

Who this is for

• Long-term residents in France preparing a naturalisation dossier
• Spouses of French citizens applying for nationality through marriage
• Anyone who had B1 and now needs to reach B2
• Learners deciding between the TCF IRN, TEF IRN and DELF B2

Common questions

My B1 certificate is recent. Can I still use it? Not for an application submitted in 2026 or later. The B2 requirement applies to every new application, including through marriage.

TCF IRN, TEF IRN or DELF B2, which should I choose? The TCF IRN and TEF IRN are single tests that give you a level, and they're valid for 2 years. The DELF B2 is a pass/fail diploma that's valid for life but has fewer exam dates. If your dossier timeline is long, check the validity rules in force when you submit.

Is TCF Canada accepted? It's designed for Canadian immigration, not for French nationality. Prefectures ask for the IRN versions or a DELF/DALF diploma. See our TCF/TEF Canada page if Canada is your goal, and our DELF/DALF page for the diploma route.

Do you help with the civic exam? Not directly. This page focuses on the language requirement. But because the civic exam is in French, B2-level reading makes it much easier.