French
French is an FSI Category I language with the same 30-week estimate as Spanish. These guides cover hours per level, DELF prep, the level France asks for residency and citizenship, and how to track your French progress.
French in numbers
- FSI difficulty
- Category I
- FSI class hours
- 690
- Hours to B1
- ~345
- Hours to B2
- ~552
For a native English speaker. Work out your own finish date or log your French hours free.
Language Guides 2
What French Level Do You Need for Residency and Citizenship? The 2026 Rules and the Hours
Since 1 January 2026 France asks for A2, B1 or B2 depending on the permit. What each rule says, what counts as proof, and how many study hours it takes.
Language Guides
Tracking Your French Learning Progress: A Practical Guide
How to track your French learning the right way: hours, activities, streaks, and milestones.
French FAQ
How long does it take to learn French?
The U.S. Foreign Service Institute puts French in Category I: about 30 weeks, or 690 class hours, for a native English speaker to reach professional working proficiency (ILR 3). FSI students also self-study about 17 hours a week on top of class.
How many hours to reach B1 in French?
About 345 hours from scratch for a native English speaker, by this blog's rule of thumb (half of FSI's class hours). At one hour a day that is about 11 months. A1 is about 86 hours, A2 about 173 and B2 about 552.