Who this guide is for

Section actions

If you have just obtained a first residence permit (or VPF, family reunification) of at least 1 year
If you have received an invitation from the OFII to sign the CIR
You if you have missed a deadline and fear a refusal to renew

To be prepared in advance

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Residence permit (original + copy)
Visa / voucher OFII or invitation letter
Home justification and online certificates (if you have already started a training course)

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1After obtaining the first residence permit of at least 1 an — the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Integration) sends a summons by mail in the 3 months. If nothing happens — contact your department's OFII (form on ofii.fr).
2Sign the Republican Integration Agreement (CIR) at the OFII. Duration: 5 years (until obtaining a permanent title, usually 10 years or 4 years depending on the category).
3Civic training: 4 modules (1 day) at OFII or online — Republic values, institutional organization, access to rights, gender equality. Certificate awarded at the end of the journey.
4Language: if level <B1 — free French course OFII (-200–600 hours, according to an individual plan). In general 1–2 times/week, in a partner association of the OFII. Certificate after test.
5Individual interview France Services: visit to discover local services (CAF, Employment, taxes, town hall). Performed the 3rd year.
6Deadlines: CIR signed in the 12 first months of the title; trainings on 2 years; interview France Services the 3rd year; final evaluation at 5 years (before the request for a long title).
7Certificate of integration: issued after completion of all modules. Keep it — necessary for the extension of the title (resident card, 10 years), and in some cases for naturalization.
8In case of non-compliance — the OFII informs the prefecture. The Prefecture may refuse the renewal of the title under "non-participation in integration" (Article L314-2 CESEDA).

Section actions

Ignore the OFII mail — exceeding the 12 month deadline to sign the CIR, risk at title renewal.
Do not take French courses — refusal of certification, potentially refusal of renewal.
Believe that the CIR is a formality: for a low level of French, participation in ~400 h course is mandatory.
Do not keep the certificates — difficult then to prove the completion for the extension.
Change address without informing OFII — unreceived mail, counted as absence.

Section actions

Show sources in this section

The CIR is governed by CESEDA (L311-9, R311-19 and s.). Indicative information; precise deadlines and requirements with your prefecture/OFII.

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