Home » Costa Rica Travel News » France Joins UK, US, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, and Other Countries in Strengthening Citizenship Requirements with Mandatory Language and Civic Tests: Everything You Need To Know

Published on
January 4, 2026

France joins uk, us, canada, costa rica, spain, and other countries in strengthening citizenship requirements with mandatory language and civic tests: everything you need to know

France has joined the UK, US, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, and other countries in strengthening citizenship requirements with mandatory language and civic tests to ensure better integration of new citizens. This shift reflects a global trend toward making sure that individuals seeking citizenship not only meet basic legal criteria but also possess the necessary skills to integrate into their new societies. By requiring applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the national language and a solid understanding of the country’s culture, history, and values, these nations aim to foster cohesive communities and smoother transitions for immigrants. In France, for example, applicants must pass a French language test at the B1 level and showcase their knowledge of French culture and values. Similarly, the UK, US, Canada, Costa Rica, and Spain have implemented their own versions of language and civic knowledge assessments, each with its own set of challenges and expectations. As these requirements evolve, they underscore the importance of integration and the shared understanding that citizenship is not just a legal status, but an active commitment to the nation.

France: Language and Cultural Knowledge at the Core of Citizenship

France has established clear and rigorous criteria for non-native speakers applying for citizenship, with a strong emphasis on language proficiency and understanding of French culture and values. Applicants must pass a French language test at a B1 level, ensuring they can effectively communicate in everyday situations and integrate into French society. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate knowledge of French history, values, and the legal system, emphasizing the importance of cultural assimilation. The language requirement ensures that applicants can navigate life in France without facing communication barriers, which is crucial for their social and professional integration. However, these standards can be challenging for individuals with limited access to language education or those from backgrounds with minimal exposure to French culture. Failure to meet the language proficiency or cultural knowledge standards can result in the denial of citizenship, leaving applicants in a prolonged state of uncertainty. This emphasis on language and cultural understanding reflects France’s commitment to fostering cohesive and well-integrated communities.

Key Points:

  • B1 level French language proficiency required for citizenship.
  • Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of French history, values, and the legal system.
  • Language and cultural understanding are central to the integration process.
  • Failure to meet language or cultural standards can lead to citizenship denial.
  • Emphasis on integration and communication in daily life, which can be challenging for some applicants.

United Kingdom: Stricter “Life in the UK” Test and English Requirements

The United Kingdom has made its citizenship process more rigorous in recent years, particularly for applicants seeking “Indefinite Leave to Remain” (ILR) or full citizenship. In 2025, the “Life in the UK” test, which evaluates applicants on British history, culture, and values, was made more difficult. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English at the B1 level, which requires intermediate fluency. These heightened standards aim to ensure that new citizens are fully equipped to integrate into British society. However, these tougher requirements can be burdensome for applicants who struggle with English or lack a deep understanding of British history. Those who fail to meet these criteria face delays, penalties, or even rejection of their applications.

Key Points:

  • “Life in the UK” test covers history, culture, and values.
  • English proficiency at B1 level required for citizenship.
  • 2025 updates increased the difficulty of both the language and knowledge requirements.
  • Tougher requirements ensure better integration but present challenges for some applicants.
  • Penalties include delays or rejection of citizenship applications.

United States: Tougher Citizenship Scrutiny and New Requirements

The United States continues to enforce rigorous naturalization standards, requiring applicants to pass both a civics test and an English proficiency exam. The civics test, featuring 100 potential questions about U.S. history, government, and rights, ensures that applicants understand the foundational principles of American society. Additionally, the English proficiency test assesses reading, writing, and speaking abilities. However, in 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) increased the scrutiny for “Good Moral Character,” reintroducing in-person neighborhood checks for certain applicants. This heightened vetting process can cause delays and denials, particularly for applicants with minor criminal histories or other flagged issues.

Key Points:

  • Civics test with 100 questions on U.S. history and government.
  • English proficiency test covering reading, writing, and speaking.
  • 2025 updates introduced more stringent checks for “Good Moral Character.”
  • Neighborhood checks revived, potentially delaying the process.
  • Penalties include denial of citizenship or lengthy delays.

Canada: Language Proficiency and Knowledge of Canadian Values

Canada’s citizenship process is grounded in a commitment to language proficiency and cultural understanding. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of CLB Level 4 in either English or French, ensuring effective communication within Canadian society. Additionally, applicants must pass a test assessing knowledge of Canada’s history, rights, values, and institutions. The 2025 updates have reportedly raised the bar, making the process slightly more challenging for new applicants. Those who fail to meet these standards risk denial or delays in their citizenship application, impacting their permanent resident status. This policy aims to foster integration but has also raised concerns about fairness for those with limited language education.

Key Points:

  • CLB Level 4 required for proficiency in English or French.
  • Applicants must pass a test on Canadian history, values, and institutions.
  • 2025 updates increased difficulty of the language and knowledge requirements.
  • Failure to meet the standards leads to delayed or denied citizenship.
  • Concerns over fairness for applicants with limited language resources.

Costa Rica: Seven-Year Residency and Cultural Integration

Costa Rica’s citizenship process is notably time-intensive, requiring at least seven years of residency before applicants can apply. The citizenship process includes an exam on Spanish language skills, as well as knowledge of Costa Rican history, culture, and values. These requirements reflect the country’s strong emphasis on cultural assimilation and community integration. However, the language barrier can be a challenge, especially for those who did not have prior exposure to Spanish. The penalties for failing to pass the exam or meet residency requirements can lead to extended waiting periods or outright denial of citizenship, making the process both emotionally and financially demanding.

Key Points:

  • Requires seven years of residency before applying for citizenship.
  • Exam assesses proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of Costa Rican history and culture.
  • Language barrier may be a challenge for non-Spanish speakers.
  • Failure to meet requirements can lead to delays or denial of citizenship.
  • Long residency requirement can be financially and emotionally taxing.

Spain: Mastering Spanish and Understanding Spanish Culture for Citizenship

Spain’s citizenship requirements for non-native speakers focus heavily on language and cultural integration. Applicants must pass the DELE A2 language exam, demonstrating basic Spanish proficiency, and the CCSE test, which evaluates knowledge of Spain’s constitution, culture, and society. These tests ensure that applicants have the necessary skills to integrate into Spanish life and understand the country’s political and legal systems. While these measures aim to promote deeper integration, critics argue that the tests may be too difficult, particularly for older applicants or those without formal education. Failure to pass either exam can result in delays, financial strain, and prolonged citizenship waits.

Key Points:

  • DELE A2 language exam required for Spanish proficiency.
  • CCSE test covers Spain’s constitution, culture, and society.
  • Emphasis on integration into Spanish life and understanding its systems.
  • Criticized as too difficult, particularly for older applicants or those without formal education.
  • Penalties for failure include delays, financial strain, and citizenship rejection.

Here’s an updated table with France added:

CountryRequirementsKey PointsPenalties United States – Civics test (100 questions on U.S. history/government) – English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) – Civics test on U.S. history and government – English proficiency test – 2025: “Good Moral Character” scrutiny – Neighborhood checks revived – Denial of citizenship – Delays in processing Canada – CLB Level 4 in English/French proficiency – Citizenship test on Canadian history and values – CLB Level 4 language proficiency – Test on Canadian history, values, and institutions – 2025 updates increased difficulty – Denial or delay in citizenship – Impact on permanent residency status Costa Rica – 7 years of residency – Spanish language proficiency – Knowledge of Costa Rican history and values – 7-year residency requirement – Spanish language test – Cultural and historical exam on Costa Rica – Delays in naturalization – Denial of citizenship for failing exams United Kingdom – “Life in the UK” test on British history, culture, and values – B1 level English proficiency – “Life in the UK” test with increased difficulty (2025) – B1 English proficiency required – Stricter integration standards – Denied citizenship – Prolonged waiting times for processing Spain – DELE A2 Spanish language exam – CCSE test on Spanish constitution, culture, and society – DELE A2 language exam – CCSE test on Spain’s constitution and culture – Strong focus on cultural integration – Delays or denial of citizenship – Financial burden from retaking exams France – Proof of integration into French society (usually 5 years of residency) – French language proficiency – Knowledge of French culture and values – 5-year residency requirement for naturalization – French language proficiency (B1 level) – Citizenship interview to assess integration – Denial of citizenship – Prolonged application process if language/cultural standards not met

France has joined the UK, US, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, and other countries in strengthening citizenship requirements with mandatory language and civic tests to ensure better integration of new citizens.

Conclusion

France has joined the UK, US, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, and other countries in strengthening citizenship requirements, emphasizing the importance of mandatory language and civic tests. These measures are designed to ensure that new citizens can integrate effectively into their adopted countries by understanding their language, culture, and values. As nations seek to build more cohesive societies, these enhanced requirements reflect the growing importance of integration and civic responsibility. Whether in France or any of these other countries, applicants must be prepared to meet these standards, ensuring smoother transitions into their new lives.