Is it possible to work as a care assistant and speak only English?

In 2026, it is highly unlikely. Professional safety is now required by most employers in the healthcare field and the French government at a minimum of B1.

Is the Talent Passport applicable to all the care workers?

That is not true, there are usually doctors and pharmacists and highly qualified researchers only. The majority of caregivers will use under the Salaried Employee VLS-TS.

Could my family be accompanied?

Yes. Your family can be issued with Talent-Family permits in case you have a Talent Passport. In the case of typical VLS-TS holders, family reunification (regroupement familial) can be obtained after 18 months of residency.

France Care Worker Visa Guide 2026

Do you work in healthcare or as a caregiver and aspire to work in the center of Europe? France has strengthened its interest in global talent acquisition by making it easier, but highly restrictive, to migrate without restriction in the year 2026.

France is also increasingly recruiting overseas workers to replace the ageing workforce and the high turnover of nurses and assistants, as the country faces a major shortage. Nevertheless, recent regulations on the implementation of biometrics and the compulsory levels of language use imply that the preparation is more important than ever.

France Care worker visa 2026 main terms and regulations

Language Requirements (New for 2026) Mandatory

By January 1, 2026, the standards of the language required of all long-term work and residency applications are stricter in France to guarantee improved patient safety and integration.

B1/B2 Proficiency: Although lower proficiency levels can be accepted by a general multi-year permit, most healthcare professions (nurses and assistants) now essentially require B1 or B2 level French in order to provide high-quality clinical care.
TCF IRN (Integration, Residence, Nationality): It is the new high-stakes test, which evaluates the four skills listed: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Civic Exam (Examen Civique): 40-question multiple-choice exam regarding the values and institutions of the republic of France that a person must pass to obtain multi-year residency or renew.

Work Authorization and “Tense” Occupations

The French government has a list of Métiers en Tension (in demand occupations) which enables employers to circumvent the usual labor market test, that is, they do not need to demonstrate that they could not find a French employee.

Status of healthcare recruitment: At the present, caregiving and nursing have been rated as the sectors of the highest demand in all regions, such as Île-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Very High).
VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa): The normal “Salaried Employee” visa. In the case of stay longer than 12 months, you will have to validate this through the Internet after 3 months and request a Title de Séjour in the local Préfecture.
Talent Passport (Health and Pharmacy): one of the premium visa categories of high qualified medical professionals. The wage rate of this category in 2026 is about 41386 per annum.
Basic Caregiver Remuneration: In the case of general healthcare assistants, the monthly salary should comply with the SMIC (Minimum Wage), which, as of January 1, 2026, is the amount of 1,823.03 gross per month.

Functional Phrases & Compliance Metrics

Qualification Recognition (ENIC-NARIC): Recognition of your foreign diploma has to be an official comparison. In the case of controlled medical career (doctors/nurses) you might also require permission with the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
France Travail (previously Pole Emploi): In case your position is not on the tense list, it has to be posted here during 3 weeks and only then an international employee could be employed.
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail): It is a form requested by your employer on the online ANEF site prior to your visa application at the consulate.
OFII Medical Examination: A required screening (with X-rays) which care workers have to complete during the first three months of arrival.

Process How to apply Your Care Visa

Get an employment offer: See that your contract is at the minimum of €1,823.03 per month SMIC.
Employer Obtains Work Permit: Your employer applies through ANEF online portal.
Apply Visa: Complete the form VLS-TS with the help of the official France-Visas portal.
Visit Consulate Appointment: You need to carry your passport, work permit and ENIC-NARIC qualification certificate.
Check clearing in France: It is possible to check in and validate your visa online and send the timbre fiscal (tax).

FAQs

Is it possible to work as a care assistant and speak only English?

In 2026, it is highly unlikely. Professional safety is now required by most employers in the healthcare field and the French government at a minimum of B1.
Is the Talent Passport applicable to all the care workers?

That is not true, there are usually doctors and pharmacists and highly qualified researchers only. The majority of caregivers will use under the Salaried Employee VLS-TS.
Could my family be accompanied?

Yes. Your family can be issued with Talent-Family permits in case you have a Talent Passport. In the case of typical VLS-TS holders, family reunification (regroupement familial) can be obtained after 18 months of residency.

Final Thoughts

The French healthcare system provides a competitive salary and a chance to get permanent European residency, which is why it is a rewarding career choice to work in the field in 2026. This is among the most predictable visa paths of all, although the introduction of the B1 language requirement and Civic Exam incurs new obstacles, it is the sheer need to fill vacant care worker positions.

Disclosure

This is just an informational and educative article. In France, the immigration laws, wage levels (SMIC) and language conditions are all changeable. It is recommended that all the information should be checked by the readers on official websites such as France-Visas or a professional immigration attorney prior to making decisions.