Chapter IV: FAMILY GROUPING SCHEME

Family reunification is sought for all persons designated in Articles L. 434-2 to L. 434-4. Partial reunification may, however, be authorised for reasons relating to the interests of the children.

A foreign national who has been residing legally in France for at least eighteen months, under cover of one of the permits valid for at least one year provided for by this Code or by international agreements, may apply to benefit from his or her right to be joined, under the family reunification scheme:1° By his or her spouse, if the latter is at least eighteen years old;2° And by…

Family reunification may also be applied for in respect of the applicant’s children under the age of eighteen and those of the applicant’s spouse if, on the day of the application:1° Parentage is established only in respect of the applicant or the applicant’s spouse;2° Or where the other parent is deceased or stripped of parental rights.

Family reunification may be applied for in respect of the applicant’s children under the age of eighteen and those of the applicant’s spouse, who are entrusted, as appropriate, to one or the other, by virtue of the exercise of parental authority, by virtue of a decision of a foreign court. A copy of this decision must be produced as well as authorisation from the other parent to allow the minor…

The child eligible for family reunification is a child with legally established filiation, including an adopted child, by virtue of an adoption decision, subject to verification by the public prosecutor’s office of the legality of this decision when it was pronounced abroad.

The following may be excluded from family reunification:1° A family member whose presence in France would constitute a threat to public order;2° A family member suffering from a disease listed in the international health regulations;3° A family member residing in France.