Undocumented workers in France are facing a pressing deadline as the experimental regularization scheme under Article L. 435-4 of the CESEDA, established by the January 26, 2024 law, is set to expire on December 31. This measure currently allows workers to apply for legal status independently of their employer, provided they can prove at least three years of residence and 12 months of employment in a labor-shortage sector over the past two years. After this date, applicants will be subject to the standard immigration regime, which is significantly more stringent, requiring longer residence periods, French language proficiency, and employer consent. Due to expected administrative backlogs and stricter criteria under general law, experts advise submitting applications immediately to secure legal standing before the cutoff.