Yes, asylum seekers in France granted international protection (refugee, subsidiary protection, stateless) can bring immediate family (spouse/partner, minor children, sometimes parents/siblings if minor) to France through a formal "family reunification" process, but it's complex, requires proving stable income/housing (SMIC level), and must be initiated after status is granted, with specific rules for marriages occurring after the asylum claim. The process involves the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) and requires family members to obtain long-stay visas, with integration requirements like civic training.
People who wish to apply for asylum in France while they are in their country of nationality or in a third country can contact the French embassy or consulate in this country and apply for an asylum-seeker visa. For information on the asylum-seeker visa, you can inquire here.
People seeking asylum must navigate a difficult and complex process that can involve multiple government agencies. Those granted asylum can apply to live in the United States permanently and gain a path to citizenship. They can also apply for their spouse and children to join them in the United States.
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6-12 months; OFII evaluation takes 6 months max, visa 1-2 months. 2025 reforms maintain timelines but add verification checks.
Family members must be parents, spouses and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 and must meet the U.S. definition of a refugee and be otherwise admissible to the U.S. Refugees in the United States who wish to petition for their relatives through this program must file an Affidavit of Relationship (AOR) with a ...
A minimum period of 5 years of residence in France is required, except in special cases . The calculation of the 5 years of residence begins on the date of submission of your asylum application.
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Family members eligible for family reunification purposes are: Your spouse (who shall be twenty-one years of age or over engaged in a monogamous marriage by law) Your and your spouse's unmarried minor children, including children adopted in a manner recognized by Maltese law.
An adult citizen can sponsor any parent, spouse, child or sibling. An adult permanent resident can sponsor a spouse or unmarried child (any age). Children under 21 cannot sponsor their parents, and more distant relationships do not qualify.
You can ask to bring your husband, wife, partner or dependent children (or if you are under 18, your parents) to Australia through the split family program if you were given a refugee, humanitarian or protection visa in the last five years, and you told Home Affairs about your family BEFORE you got your own visa.
Can I include my spouse and children in my asylum application? Yes, you may include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 as derivatives on your Form I-589. They must be in the U.S. at the time of filing.
Rights and obligations of refugees
You have the right to stay in France for a period of ten years. After ten years, you will be entitled to permanent residence. You are entitled to a travel document valid for all countries except that of your nationality or habitual residence.
Meanwhile, the status of recognized asylum seekers is protected by corresponding laws and the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which France signed on the 25 July 1951. France is considered to be one of the main asylum host countries in Europe.
Once your asylum application has been rejected, you are no longer allowed to stay on the French territory. If you choose to stay, your stay will not be legal. The prefecture will send you an « OQTF » (Obligation to Leave French Territory), stating that you must leave France.
To make a family visa application, you must meet any of the the following requirements: Your family member/spouse is a British citizen. Your family member/spouse has ILR or settled status. You have an eligible relationship with an individual in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
Family Based Immigration
To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
Include Supporting Documentation: Attach evidence proving your family relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents. Respond to RFEs Promptly: If USCIS requests additional evidence, provide the requested documents quickly to avoid delays.
France is also a great place to spend time together as a family. Culturally, family time is highly valued, with working parents making a strong distinction between their job and their weekends or holidays.
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According to the Global Peace Index and Legatum Prosperity Index, Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada consistently rank among the safest countries in terms of safety, offering peace of mind for raising children.
Housing. In principle, asylum-seekers have the right to housing. That means each person who has filed a request for asylum in France should be housed by the OFII (Office francais de l'immigration et de l'integration), the same organization that provides your allowance.
On 15th July, 2025, the French government announced that from January 1st, 2026, the required level of French for acquiring French nationality will increase from B1 to B2. This change applies to all applications, whether by marriage or by decree.
France grants asylum seekers the right to basic assistance, including housing, food, and legal, medical, and psychosocial assistance. The French office for immigration and integration determines the reception conditions according to the asylum seeker's situation.