Circular Retailleau 2025: regularization of undocumented people even more difficult?

Since January 23, 2025, a new circular signed by the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, has profoundly changed the rules for exceptional admission to residence (AES), that is, the regularization of undocumented foreigners in France.

The circular revokes the famous “Valls” circular of 2012 and marks a turning point: the conditions are now much stricter, and the guidelines given to city councils aim to restrict the use of this procedure as much as possible. Here are the main points you need to know in 2025.

A procedure now “strictly exceptional”

The Minister emphasizes that regularization must continue to be absolutely exceptional. Mayors are invited to prioritize common law, that is, existing legal provisions, such as:

• The title for victims of human trafficking or prostitution who file a complaint;

• The title for victims of violence with a protection order;

• AES for workers in occupations with a labor shortage;

• The title “private and family life” only in very humanitarian and well-documented cases;

• AES for people welcomed by solidarity associations;

• AES for isolated foreign minors between 16 and 18 years old under social protection.

Regularization through work: only for professions in tension

Regularization through work is now only permitted for sectors with a shortage of labor, and as long as the foreigner proves:

• 3 years of presence in France;

• 12 months of work (consecutive or not) in the last 24 months;

• Activity in one of the professions listed in the Code for the Entry and Residence of Foreigners (CESEDA).

Other jobs are no longer accepted as justification for regularization.

Required and verifiable integration

The circular requires:

• Proficiency in French, proven by diploma, certificate or equivalent proof;

• Commitment to the values of the Republic, through a formal contract.

Furthermore, the length of residence becomes a key criterion: a minimum of 7 years of presence to demonstrate “reasonable” integration, except for well-justified exceptions.

OQTF, IRTF and exclusions by public order

People with an OQTF issued less than 3 years ago are, as a rule, excluded from regularization, unless new elements have emerged after the decision or were not known before.

Also excluded are:

• People in a situation of polygamy;

• Those who pose a risk to public order.

Even if there is a consolidated family life, the analysis will be strict and under very demanding criteria.

Conclusion: legal advice is essential

The Retailleau circular reinforces the French government's intention to limit as much as possible the regularization of undocumented immigrants.

Given this scenario, consulting a specialized lawyer is more important than ever, to understand your chances, organize your file and, if necessary, contest decisions in administrative court.