The integration programme is COMPULSORY* for foreign-nationality newcomers residing in French-speaking Wallonia aged between 18 and 65, who have been legal residents for less than 3 years and who hold a residence permit exceeding 3 months.

*Comment: there are people who are exempt and dispensed from this obligation.

Exempted people. Those who:

• have been legally staying in Belgium for more than 3 years;

• do not have a residence permit;

• have a residence permit for less than 3 months;

• are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland;

• are family members of a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland.

Waived people. Those who:

• have already obtained the attendance certificate, or any other similar certificate issued by another community or region of the country;

• present a medical certificate attesting to the impossibility of following the integration program due to a severe illness or disability;

• have obtained a certificate or diploma in Belgian education;

• are under 18 or over 65 years old;

• work at least part-time for a continuous period of more than three months;

• are regular students;

• are exchange students;

• receive a scholarship for obtaining a doctorate;

• are teachers collaborating within a higher education institution recognized in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation;

• are Turkish nationals or nationals of a state that has concluded association agreements with the European Union containing a standstill clause identical to that governing relations between the European Union and Turkey;

• people who benefit from temporary protection.

YES, the programme stages can be undertaken in random order, however, all the stages must be undertaken (except for the “FLE” French lessons if your level of French is sufficient and you can also be exempted from the “socio-professional integration” phase if you already have a job).

YES, however, it is preferable to seek guidance from your programme advisor, as not all bodies are accredited.

No, if you have a certificate that proves you finished the programme.

Don’t worry, professional interpreters in many languages are there for you. If you need an interpreter, feel free to mention it at your first appointment. In addition, the integration programme gives you the opportunity to get French lessons for free.

The integration programme was designed to allow you to understand the country in which you have just settled in.

The maximum duration of the programme is 18 months. However, the duration of the programme can be shorter depending on your needs.

Make the request to your programme advisor. He or she will do his/her best depending on the availabilities of the institutions.

The programme remains compulsory. You will be offered solutions by your programme advisor

No, if your job contract is for more than 3 months on part-time basis minimum.