26/11/2024
Question that inspired this post(posted on 26/11/2024):
I am a French passport holder and have been married for over 20 years. Both of my children also hold French passports. I would like to obtain a French passport for my husband, but he is severely dyslexic, making it nearly impossible for him to learn French beyond basic phrases like "bonjour." Is there any way to bypass the French language requirement for obtaining a French passport? We would need to go through the French consulate in London.
Top Answers
To clarify, there is an exemption for individuals with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from taking the official French language test. However, this exemption only applies to the test itself and does not waive the requirement to speak French. Your spouse will still need to attend an interview at the French consulate, which will be conducted entirely in French. If he is unable to speak and understand enough French to complete the interview, he will not be able to obtain French citizenship(1).
I am extremely dyslexic, and it took me about five years to feel confident in French. Even now, I still make plenty of mistakes, but I managed to learn the language. I believe it should be possible for your husband to learn as well. It might delay the process, but honestly, without knowing French, obtaining the passport won’t be possible.
Your husband speaks English, so he may well be able to speak French, even if writing it may be much too difficult. If he wants to, he could try learning by ear, from one of the aural learning programmes that exist. If they have written exercises, ignore them.
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AI-Generated
Based on the information provided, there may be a possibility to bypass the French language requirement for your husband to obtain French nationality, which is a prerequisite for a French passport. Here's what you need to know:
Language Requirements and Exemptions
Typically, applicants for French nationality need to demonstrate French language proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
. However, there are exemptions for certain situations, particularly for those with disabilities or medical conditions.
Medical Exemption
Your husband's severe dyslexia may qualify him for an exemption from the language test. To pursue this option:
Obtain a medical certificate attesting to your husband's condition.
The certificate should clearly state that his dyslexia makes it impossible for him to take a language assessment. (2)
Application Process
When applying for French nationality through marriage at the French consulate in London, you will need to:
Provide proof of your marriage lasting at least 20 years.
Submit the medical certificate explaining your husband's inability to take the language test due to dyslexia.
Complete all other required documentation for the nationality application.
Additional Considerations
The decision to grant an exemption is at the discretion of the instructing department, which may request a new medical assessment to verify the condition. (2)
Even with an exemption from the language test, your husband will still need to meet other criteria for obtaining French nationality through marriage.
The process may take some time, so it's advisable to start the application as soon as possible.
Next Steps
Contact the French consulate in London to inquire about the specific process for applying for a medical exemption.
Gather all necessary documentation, including the medical certificate and proof of your long-term marriage.
Apply and follow any additional instructions provided by the consulate.
While the language requirement is typically strict, the provision for medical exemptions offers a potential pathway for your husband to obtain French nationality despite his dyslexia. The key will be providing comprehensive medical documentation to support the exemption request.
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