This morning I went for another appointment at the OFII – Office Francaise l’immigration et de l’integration. I thought it was my first of four appointments for my formation civique. But no. This was my pre-formation civique appointment.
So I found myself back in Rue de Quivogne, where we had our medicals, at 8 o’clock in the morning for a demi- journée of training along with une douzaine of others.
We had to check in. I heard the woman asking everyone: “Vous comprenez le Francais?” as they were signing in and everyone replied Un peu. Alors, when it was my turn I went for: Je me debrouille.
Then it was into la salle de classe with a 20-minute test of our written French.
It was quite straightforward although I didn’t know what un travail en tension was. It was multiple choice so I worked out it was either an oversubscribed profession or an undersubscribed one. And I went for the wrong one. It means jobs that not many people want to do.
Throughout the test there were two eyes bearing down on us.
Then, papers collected in, it was time to wait for the oral test. One by one we were called out. Was the order best to worst? I hope not because before I knew it there were only four of us left. Then it was my turn.
No need to worry. I was told my French was at level B1.
In order to apply for a residency for 10 years your French must be at A2 level and for nationality at B1 level.
I now have to do FOUR days of formation civique – to learn how to be a good citizen in France. At least I can do the first two online.
It is one more step on the road to being allowed to stay here a bit longer – so I treated myself to a nice coffee afterwards.
Thrown to (the) Lyon 