Nationality- The Minister confirmed by Circular easing requirements for naturalization- 26/08/2013

The Interior Minister confirmed by the Circular of 21st, June 2013 his desire to relax the criteria for naturalization.

Changes in the right of residence for foreign students and researchers – 26/08/2013

The Act of 22 July 2013 on higher education and research amends several sections of the Code of Entry and Stay of Aliens and Asylum ( CESEDA ) with respect to the duration of the provisional admission, also known as APS and multi annual residence issued to foreign students. The law also now allows the application to scientists and researchers the notion of involuntary deprivation of employment. The circular of July 30 provides for the implementation of these new provisions.

Recognition of marriage for same sex-couples in Immigration proceedings- 18/06/2013

The Act of May 17, 2013 modifies the civil code section 143 to read: “Marriage is contracted by two persons of opposite sex or the same sex.” France joins the few countries that have legalized marriage between same sex (Belgium, Spain, Canada, some states in the United States and Brazil, the Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico (Federal District), Argentina, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Iceland and Uruguay). Henceforth, in France, the marriage will give rise to the same rights in French immigration procedures, whether the spouses are of different sex or the same sex.

Biometric Residence Permits – 10/06/2013

The progressive deployment of biometrics in all French departments has the effect of modifying the procedures for applying for a residence permit and require additional appearance at the Prefecture for fingerprinting.

Update on Sanctions for illegal work – 31/01/2013

The Laws of June 16th, 2011 and December 31st, 2012 transpose the dispositions contained in the “Return” and “Sanctions” EU directives into national law applicable in the event of illegal work or illegal stay. The enforcement plan against illegal work that was adopted at the end of 2012 provides the enforcement guidelines, whereas the circular of November 28th, 2012 states how the new administrative sanctions may be implemented.