Dealing with government, Life in France

Citizenship interview

There’s a France 3 TV game show called “Questions for a Champion” (thanks France 3 for today’s photo above) where they ask lots of general questions to determine a winner for the day. Last Thursday I felt like a contestant on that program except instead of being on a soundstage in Paris, I was in the compact office of an immigration officer in the Préfecture building in Montpellier. It was a little over 3 years ago when I mailed in my application to acquire French citizenship and about 2 weeks ago an email arrived summoning me to the interview. The purpose is to show that you’ve integrated into the society here rather than remaining an outsider who lives in a bubble that in our case would be called “Little America”.

We only get to make one first impression which is perhaps why I’d read that the first question is almost always, “Why do you want to become French?” If you say something like, “I want a French passport so that I don’t have to wait so long at the airport customs/immigration line,” then your request might get rejected. On the other hand, emphasizing how France has become the center of your life—home, family, friends, vacations—how you agree with French values—liberté, égalité, fraternité plus secularism—and the overall quality of life you have found here, should indicate your seriousness. You can guess which path I took; although, I won’t mind having a French passport to boot! In addition, I’ll be able to vote ✅

There are numerous resources online to help you prepare with lists of 99 up to 200 possible questions. I’ll include a pdf link below to one of the more complete lists (14 pages) that even includes answers. Almost all of the topics—the French Republic, politics, geography, history, and culture—are something that children learn in elementary and middle school, just as we did for their US counterparts. As the French say, C’est pas sorcier, (“It’s not witchcraft”) and we might hear that as “It’s not rocket science” but you still have to know a little about a lot.

For the truly curious, I’ll put 2 more links below: one for the post that I put on the Facebook group “Applying for French Nationality” that details all of the questions I received and a second link for the civics questions that applicants for US citizenship must be able to answer, just for a comparison. 

And now the wait continues, but for months rather than years. Maybe the blog post will be called “Citizenship for Christmas” or “Thanks (giving) for Citizenship”? Who knows but there will be plenty of joie de vivre whenever it arrives…and probably sparkling wine!

Photo note: All images, other than the one from France 3 TV, come from the government’s guidebook for citizenship, “Le livret du citoyen”, thank you.

Study questions and answers pdf, 14 pages

Citizenship booklet translated into English, text only

Questions from my interview pdf

US civics test for citizenship pdf, 11 pages

26 thoughts on “Citizenship interview”

  1. You had just applied when we were still in Toulouse. I’ve thought of you often and wondered about your progress. Congratulations on another step closer!

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Isn’t it ironic that you had your interview on July 4th? So glad that this step is behind you and that your experience thus far has been positive!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Anne. You’re right, what an interesting date for the interview and luckily it’s all been positive. One step at a time.

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  6. How exciting! Congratulations on all the hard work you put in to get to this point. Can’t wait until it’s my turn!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Félicitations Although I can’t believe it took 3 years, I’d heard 18 months wait. 

    We have been here 3 years. My question is for the 10 year card, did you apply right when you hit the 5 year mark? I ask because some people on FB say they were refused and waited to apply the 6th year. 

    Then for the citizenship, did you get the 10 yr card first before applying for citizenship? I’m not sure about the timeline of these procedures. By the way, I’d read on FB, by a lawyer who serves Americans  that they don’t give citizenship unless one has worked in France, which would exclude retirees like us. Clearly that’s not true. Thanks for writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Stephanie! Yes, 3 years or so for applications via Montpellier is pretty standard, around 5 years for Nice, I understand, but only 18 months in Paris and even faster if you are applying via marriage to a French person. For our 10-year card we applied for an appointment after living in France for 4 years and 9 months, anticipating that by the time our appointment to turn in our documents arrived, we would have been here the required 5 years. This blog post will give you some details: https://letsliveinfrance.com/2021/06/27/five-to-ten/
      As far as working in France to obtain citizenship, we know other folks who, like us, have never worked in France and are now French citizens. In a few months I anticipate being one of those proud citizens! Thanks for your questions 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. please share the good news when you become français. Again thanks so much for your blog- I look forward to reading you in the future for years to come. Best to you & Bill.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Hey, Congrats, Bob! Nice work!

    Questions: Is the test done in French? How well do you need to speak it? Do you need to give up your US citizenship? If not, will you still be taxed in the US?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, John! Yes, the interview is in French and currently you are required to have a language level of B1 meaning that you can cope with day-to-day situations. The law changed this year, and will be put into effect sometime prior to 2026, to require a higher level of B2 that I associate with what you need to go to a university here or to get a job. No, you do not need to give up your US citizenship which means that yes, you will continue to be taxed in the US no matter where in the world you live. Luckily, France and the US have a treaty that avoids much of any double taxation. Thanks for the questions!

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  12. Bonjour Bob,

    Congratulations!
    I lost my French citizenship at age 21 in 1971 (I was born in Morocco when it was still officially a French protectorate) then moved to the US at age two with my family of origin. Both parents were French citizens. Any thoughts on who to contact for regaining citizenship (dual French/US.) I currently reside in the US.
    merci bien, Dominique

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Bonjour Dominique et merci! I have two suggestions of where you might start your investigation. The French consulate that covers your state might be able to help. Here’s a link to an interactive map that will lead you to the correct consulate: https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article330 Secondly, it’s free to join the Facebook group “Applying for French Nationality” that I have found very helpful. You could ask your question there and I would expect that you will find someone else in the same situation. Bon courage!

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  13. Hi Bob! I’m so happy to hear your interview went well. I’m hoping you’ll hear good news very soon! I’m definitely following this with interest! It was great meeting you guys in Carcassonne, and it was a lovely lunch! You’re both great ambassadors for France and your town!

    All the best,

    —Ron

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Ron, thank you for the good wishes and for taking the time to come to Carcassonne. It was a pleasure meeting you and we look forward to seeing you again the next time you are in the area!

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