What is OFII ?
What is OFII (French Office for Emigration and Integration) and why do I need to sign the republican integration contract (CIR)? And If you have never been summoned by the OFII for the signature of your Contract, do you need to fill up a form and send it to the OFII office ?
In France, the integration process began with the Republican Integration Contract. Individuals commit to upholding the values and principles of French society and the French Republic under this agreement between themselves and the French State. They are required to participate in relevant training courses and fulfill certain obligations.
The integration process involves a reception visit to the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration), where individuals undergo language proficiency tests and have personal interviews to assess their needs and provide guidance. Mandatory civic and language trainings are ordered based on the individual’s language level, with different program durations. Language certification is also available, and individuals can continue language programs beyond the mandatory training to reach higher language proficiency levels.
After completing the trainings, there is an end-of-contract interview to evaluate progress and receive information about local services to facilitate further integration. If the Republican Integration Contract is respected, individuals may be eligible for a multi-year card or a resident card upon the renewal of their residence permit. However, failure to fulfill obligations may result in the contract being terminated.
If you have never been contacted by the OFII, you need to apply for a Republican Integration Contract, certain conditions must be met, including never having been summoned by the OFII for contract signature before and being between 16 and 18 years old. The application involves filling out a form and submitting it along with a copy of the residence permit to the Territorial Directorate of the OFII Office.
Please visit https://www.ofii.fr/en/ for more information.