E2 Visa Term for French in US Now 4 Years

By Sanwar Ali:

The E2 Visa used by many French-owned companies and entrepreneurs has recently undergone a significant change. In a move that promises to boost Franco-American business relations, the duration of the E2 Visa for French nationals has been extended from 25 months to 48 months. This will benefit French businesses, who can now wait longer before having to extend their E2 visa status. This article delves into the details, implications, and potential benefits of this change.

Background of E2 Visa for French Citizens

The E2 Visa is an important US work visa for French citizens looking to tap into the vibrant US market. The E2 Visa has provided French entrepreneurs and investors, and their French employees with the opportunity to develop and direct their operations in the United States.

However, the duration of the E2 Visa, properly known as the e-2 treaty investor visa, has seen fluctuations in recent years. In 2019, during the Trump presidency, the duration of the us e2 visa was curtailed from 60 months to 25 months. This development inconvenienced French-owned businesses and their employees who had to in many cases extend their USA e-2 visa more frequently than was previously the case.

Details of the 2023 Extension

Following intense bilateral negotiations between France and the United States, a new agreement was reached to extend the e-2 visa duration to 48 months. This extension, which became effective from November 16, 2023, also introduced a small reciprocity fee of $58 per E2 Visa.

This decision was a result of concerted efforts from both countries, to foster stronger business ties. French President Macron's state visit to the United States in December 2022 played a pivotal role in initiating these negotiations.

Implications for French Citizens

The extension of the e-2 Visa duration is beneficial for French nationals. For entrepreneurs and treaty investors, the longer duration means more time to establish, expand, and manage their e2 business in the United States before having to apply for an extension. This stability allows for better strategic planning and long-term business plan commitments.

Moreover, it brings an increased level of predictability, a trait highly desirable in the realm of foreign investment. French businesses can now plan their operations for a four-year period, knowing that their US work visa is likely to be valid for this period of time.

The extended duration also enhances the attractiveness of the United States as a destination for French business ventures. By providing a level playing field with other countries that enjoy longer visa durations, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to being an open and welcoming market for treaty investors.

Comparative Analysis

The e-2 Visa conditions for French citizens now stand favorably when compared with other countries. While the e-2 visa requirements can be extended indefinitely, the previous requirement to reapply every 25 months was an added inconvenience. This extension to 48 months places French citizens on a par with nationals from countries like Japan and Germany who meet the treaty investor requirements for E2 visa and enjoy similar visa durations.

This change also aligns with global trends in business immigration. With countries competing to attract investors, providing longer visa durations makes the US more attractive. The United States, with this move, continues to remain competitive in this aspect.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Experts in immigration and business have hailed this extension as a positive step. Sanwar Ali, founder of the world-famous workpermit.com site, says that the E-2 Visa is one of the most important work visa options for French businesses wishing to employ French citizens in the US. The longer e2 visa duration provides French entrepreneurs and treaty investors with greater stability and scope to expand their operations in the United States, simplifying the E2 visa process.

Analysts also predict that this change will have long-term benefits on Franco-American business relations. By encouraging French treaty investors in the US market, this move can potentially lead to economic growth and job creation.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, the extension of the E2 Visa duration, properly known as the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, for French citizens is a positive development that will bolster U.S.-France business and immigration ties. The potential impact of this change on the inflow of French investment into the United States, facilitated by the us investment visa, is something to keep an eye on. For now, French entrepreneurs and investors can anticipate a more predictable and stable business environment in the United States, thanks to the extended duration of the USA E2 Investor visa.

workpermit.com helps with US Work Visa: L1, H1B, E2, and O1 Visas

There are various types of US visas that individuals can apply for, depending on their circumstances. Some of the most common employment-based visas include:

• L1 visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions or have specialized knowledge.

• H1B visa: This visa is for specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.

• E2 visa: This visa is for investors who have made a significant investment in a US business and, management or essential skills employees.  Only certain nationalities can apply.

• O1 visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.

Workpermit.com is a specialist visa services firm with over thirty years of experience dealing with visa applications. For more information and advice, please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com(link sends e-mail)