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Can a French traveller work in the United States?

Most French travellers go through the embassy or consulate before they travel when heading to United States for work.

The route most travellers use is the H-1B Specialty Occupation. Stays of up to 1095 days, expect to pay around $675 in mandatory fees, processing usually takes 60–240 days.

The paperwork is heavy — 10/10 difficulty (difficult), and 9/10 realism (likely). Approval is likely if your documents are in order.

5 other routes sit below if this one doesn't fit.

Straight from uscis.gov.

What it's like in United States

as of 2024

Difficulty

10/10

Heavy paperwork

Weak

Processing

60–240d

from application to decision

Tough

PR pathway

5 yrs

Green Card → naturalisation after 5 years

Mid

Avg salary

$80k

OECD-style average wages, USD

Strong

Cost of living

71

Numbeo COL (NYC = 100)

Weak

Top tax rate

37%

Personal income top marginal

Weak

Healthcare

68/100

Numbeo Healthcare Index

Mid

Safety

#132

Global Peace Index rank (lower = safer)

Tough

English proficiency

Very high

EF EPI band

Strong

Work visas have major life consequences.

Long-stay visa decisions affect your right to live, work, study, or remain with family. Always verify with a qualified immigration adviser or the destination's embassy before making travel, employment, or relocation decisions.

Sort for your profile

Pick the option that fits best — we'll surface visa routes designed for you and push less-relevant ones below. Optional; the full 12-field questionnaire tunes results even more.

6 options available.

Sponsored work5

Employer-sponsored work permits that require a confirmed job offer. The most common path for skilled workers without a residency-track option.

Embassy visaWork

H-1B Specialty Occupation

Max stay
1095days
Processing
60–240days
Fee
$675.00
Difficulty10/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
10/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 240 days)
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)
  • +1.5Sponsor licence required
  • +1Confirmed job offer required

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
  • +0.5Once a sponsor + job offer are secured, visa approval is generally routine

Work visa details

Sponsorship
Required
Sponsor type
Licensed employer
Job offer
Required
Permit length
1095 days
Path to settlement
No

Eligible occupations (sample)

Software developer / engineerData scientist / analystComputer systems analystFinancial analystAccountant / auditorMechanical / electrical / civil engineerArchitectDoctor / surgeon (with state license)University professorMathematician / statistician
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    390+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    374+ days before

    You'll need: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation; Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer; Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage; Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate (interview + fingerprints))

    367+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    360+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–240 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate (interview + fingerprints))

What you need

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation
  • Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer
  • Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage
  • Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS
  • Selection via the H-1B cap lottery (regular and master's exemption pools)
  • If outside US, consular processing at a US embassy after I-129 approval

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-129 base filing fee$460.00
  • MRV consular fee (visa stamping)$215.00
  • Premium Processing (optional, 15-day adjudication) (optional)$2,805.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

United States Gold Card (US$5M permanent-residency pathway)

Max stay
Processing
60–180days
Fee
$5,000,000.00
Difficulty9/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
9/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 180 days)
  • +0.5Proof of funds required
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    300+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    284+ days before

    You'll need: US$5,000,000 payment to the United States government (non-refundable); Source-of-funds documentation showing the money was lawfully acquired; Standard US criminal-history and security background checks; Medical examination by a panel physician; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    284+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy or consulate)

    277+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    270+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy or consulate)

What you need

  • US$5,000,000 payment to the United States government (non-refundable)
  • Source-of-funds documentation showing the money was lawfully acquired
  • Standard US criminal-history and security background checks
  • Medical examination by a panel physician
  • Not subject to any OFAC sanction or US-specific travel restriction
  • Tax: Gold Card holders pay US tax only on US-source income (vs. worldwide for green-card holders) — confirmed publicly though formal IRS guidance is pending

Fee breakdown

  • Gold Card programme fee — paid to the US government$5,000,000.00
  • Application processing & adjudication (typical legal-counsel range) (optional)$15,000.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

L-1 Intracompany Transferee — United States

Max stay
2555days
Processing
60–180days
Fee
$190.00
Difficulty8/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
8/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 180 days)
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    300+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    284+ days before

    You'll need: Employed by a multinational company at a foreign branch for 1+ continuous year in past 3 years; Transferring to a US affiliate / subsidiary / parent of the same company; L-1A: executive or manager (up to 7 years); L-1B: specialised-knowledge employee (up to 5 years); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    277+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    270+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Employed by a multinational company at a foreign branch for 1+ continuous year in past 3 years
  • Transferring to a US affiliate / subsidiary / parent of the same company
  • L-1A: executive or manager (up to 7 years)
  • L-1B: specialised-knowledge employee (up to 5 years)
  • Spouse on L-2 status with work authorisation
  • Path to EB-1C green card for L-1A executives

Fee breakdown

  • I-129 petition fee$190.00
  • Premium processing (15-day) (optional)$500.00
View primary source (travel.state.gov)
Embassy visaWork

O-1 Extraordinary Ability — United States

Max stay
1095days
Processing
14–90days
Fee
$460.00
Difficulty8/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
8/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 90 days)
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    165+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    149+ days before

    You'll need: Evidence of extraordinary ability — major award (Nobel, Olympic gold, Oscar) OR 3 of 8 criteria (national prize, press coverage, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, high salary, lead/critical role, commercial success); Sponsoring US employer or agent files Form I-129; Consultation letter from a peer / labor union in your field; Itinerary of work or events; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    142+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    135+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 14–90 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Evidence of extraordinary ability — major award (Nobel, Olympic gold, Oscar) OR 3 of 8 criteria (national prize, press coverage, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, high salary, lead/critical role, commercial success)
  • Sponsoring US employer or agent files Form I-129
  • Consultation letter from a peer / labor union in your field
  • Itinerary of work or events
  • Renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments — no annual cap, no lottery
  • Spouse + children eligible for O-3 dependents

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-129 filing fee (small employer)$460.00
  • Premium Processing (15-day decision) (optional)$280.50
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

E-2 Treaty Investor — United States

Max stay
730days
Processing
30–120days
Fee
$315.00
Difficulty9/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
9/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 120 days)
  • +0.5Proof of funds required
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +1Long documentation list (7 items)

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    210+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    194+ days before

    You'll need: National of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US; Substantial investment in a real, operating US enterprise (typically $100k+, but no statutory minimum); Investor must own 50%+ of the business or have operational control; Business must generate more than minimal income (not 'marginal') — usually employing US workers; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    194+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    187+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    180+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 30–120 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • National of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US
  • Substantial investment in a real, operating US enterprise (typically $100k+, but no statutory minimum)
  • Investor must own 50%+ of the business or have operational control
  • Business must generate more than minimal income (not 'marginal') — usually employing US workers
  • Funds at risk and committed (in escrow doesn't count; must be already invested)
  • Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin
  • Renewable indefinitely in 2-year increments as long as the business stays operational

Fee breakdown

  • DS-160 + E-2 issuance fee$315.00
View primary source (travel.state.gov)

Investment / Golden visa1

Residency in exchange for an investment — real estate, government bonds, fund subscriptions, or qualifying business spend. Designed for high-net-worth applicants.

Embassy visaWork

EB-5 Immigrant Investor — United States

Max stay
9999days
Processing
365–1095days
Fee
$59,000.00
Difficulty9/10·Realism9/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Difficult7–10
9/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice. Difficulty 7–10.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
  • +2Long processing time (up to 1095 days)
  • +0.5Proof of funds required
  • +0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • +1Long documentation list (7 items)

Approval realism

Approval is likely
9/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    1673+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    1657+ days before

    You'll need: Invest $800k (Targeted Employment Area / rural) or $1,050k (standard) in a new US commercial enterprise; Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs within 2 years; Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin (tax returns, bank records, gift letters); Form I-526E petition filed (Reform Act 2022 enables concurrent filing of I-526E and I-485 if in the US); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    1657+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    1650+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    1643+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 365–1095 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Invest $800k (Targeted Employment Area / rural) or $1,050k (standard) in a new US commercial enterprise
  • Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs within 2 years
  • Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin (tax returns, bank records, gift letters)
  • Form I-526E petition filed (Reform Act 2022 enables concurrent filing of I-526E and I-485 if in the US)
  • Conditional 2-year green card issued; file I-829 in months 21-24 to remove conditions
  • Investment must remain 'at risk' for the conditional period
  • Spouse + unmarried children under 21 derive status

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-526E filing fee$11,175.00
  • EB-5 Integrity Fund fee$325.00
  • Investment (rural / TEA minimum)$47,500.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)

Email me if United States's policy changes

ONE email when the rules change for French travellers. No account, no marketing.

Application prep, advice & sources

Step-by-step checklist, when to hire a lawyer, alternative routes, related country pairs, and the official primary sources behind every claim above.

What you'll need

Work visa for United States

Specific to French passport holders.

Start ~0–13 weeks before your intended travel date.

Order these first — they have the longest lead time

  • Employer sponsorship / CoS

    Purpose evidence2–13 weeks

    A Certificate of Sponsorship (UK), Labour Market Impact Assessment (Canada), Form I-129 (US H-1B), or equivalent. The sponsor obtains this; you receive a reference number.

    How: Your employer applies to the destination's immigration authority. You can't start without their reference number.

  • Education credentials evaluation

    Credentials4–12 weeks

    WES (Canada/US), ECE, IQAS, UK ENIC, or the destination's local equivalent — converts your foreign degree to the local framework.

    How: Order online; allow 4–10 weeks. Request your university to send transcripts directly to the assessor.

  • English- / language-proficiency test

    Credentials3–9 weeks

    IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DELE, TestDaF, JLPT — depending on the destination. Most have minimum scores per visa class.

    How: Book on the test provider's site. Test slots typically 2–4 weeks out; results 5–15 days after the test.

  • Valid passport

    Identity3–8 weeks

    Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, with two or more blank pages.

    How: Renew at any French mairie or service-public.fr — 3–6 weeks (longer in summer).

  • Medical examination

    Medical1–4 weeks

    Conducted by a panel physician approved by the destination's immigration authority. Includes chest X-ray, blood tests, and an interview.

    How: Book directly with a panel physician — find them on the destination's immigration website.

  • Apostille / certified document copies

    Credentials1–4 weeks

    Hague Apostille on civil documents (birth, marriage, education certificates) for countries that recognise the convention. Other countries require consular legalisation instead.

    How: US: state Secretary of State or US State Dept. UK: FCDO Legalisation Office. Other: ministry of foreign affairs of the issuing country.

  • Police certificate

    Background1–2 weeks

    A criminal-record clearance from every country you've lived in for 6+ months in the past 10 years. Universally required for work, study, family and PR routes.

    How: Bulletin n°3 du casier judiciaire — request at cjn.justice.gouv.fr, free, delivered in 5–10 days.

Then gather these

  • Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)

    Background1–4 weeks

    Captured at a Visa Application Centre (VFS, BLS, TLScontact). Walk-in is rarely possible — appointment slots fill up.

    How: Book on the VAC website after submitting your online application.

  • CV / résumé and work history

    Purpose evidence1–3 weeks

    Up-to-date résumé covering at least your last 10 years of employment. Some routes (Canada Express Entry, Australia points) require reference letters with hours per week.

    How: Self-prepared. Get reference letters from past employers on letterhead, signed.

  • Signed job offer

    Purpose evidence0–2 weeks

    A signed contract or offer letter from a sponsoring employer. Required for every work-route visa worldwide.

    How: Issued by the sponsoring employer once you've accepted.

  • Certified translation of documents

    Credentials1–2 weeks

    If your documents are not in the destination's official language, you may need a sworn or certified translator.

    How: ATA-certified (US) / ITI-qualified (UK) translators, or a sworn translator registered with the destination's consulate.

  • Proof of funds (long-stay)

    Financial1–2 weeks

    Country-specific minimum savings — e.g. ~CAD 14,000 (Canada study/work permits, single applicant), ~£1,334/month + £8,000 reserve (UK family), proof of income for digital-nomad routes.

    How: Bank statements going back 3–6 months, sometimes a sworn affidavit of support from a sponsor.

  • Passport-style photograph

    Identity1–3 days

    A recent biometric photo to the destination's specifications. Most consulates require their own dimensions, not your home country's.

    How: Any high-street photo studio, or app-based services that meet ICAO 9303 spec.

  • Online visa application form

    Application1–3 days

    The destination's online form (DS-160 for US, gov.uk for UK, IRCC portal for Canada, ImmiAccount for Australia, e-Visa portal for most others).

    How: Apply directly on the destination government website — never via a third-party paid service.

  • Application fee payment

    Application1 day

    Payable to the destination government directly. Fees range from ~$25 (e-Visas) to $2,500+ (US EB-1).

    How: Card payment on the destination's portal. Receipt required for the application.

Lead times are global averages. Country-specific channels can be faster (FBI Channeler in days vs FBI Mail in months) — always check the destination's embassy or visa portal for current timelines.

Make your case

★ Hand-written for this route

Tailored guidance — French applying for a work visa to United States

The same things a £1,000 immigration consultation would tell you — what evidenceUnited States's caseworkers actually weight, a personal-statement skeleton you can adapt to United States's framing, common mistakes that get french applications refused, and when it's worth hiring a lawyer.

What caseworkers actually weight

  1. 1

    E-1 / E-2 Treaty Trader / Investor via the France-US 1853 Treaty

    France's treaty relationship with the US (Treaty of Commerce 1853, plus 1959 Convention) makes E-1 (substantial trade between US and France) and E-2 (substantial investment in a US business) routes especially attractive. E-2 has no statutory minimum but $100k+ in a real US enterprise is the practical floor; many French entrepreneurs use it to launch US subsidiaries of French startups (Veepee, Doctolib, Mirakl pattern). No PERM, renewable indefinitely while the business operates.

  2. 2

    H-1B Specialty Occupation OR L-1 intracompany via French parent

    H-1B is cap-subject (March lottery, 85k slots — French success rate similar to other Western Europeans at ~30%). L-1A (executive/manager) and L-1B (specialised knowledge) bypass the lottery if you've worked 1+ year at a French parent company (BNP Paribas, AXA, Sanofi, Capgemini, Atos, Dassault, Airbus, LVMH, Hermès have well-trodden L-1 paths to US subs). DS-160 interview at US Embassy Paris or US Consulate Strasbourg.

  3. 3

    Apostilled French diplomas + ECE/WES credential evaluation

    French degrees (Licence, Master, Doctorat, Grandes Écoles diplomas like ENA, HEC, Polytechnique, Centrale, Sciences Po) need Apostille from the local Cour d'Appel or Ministère des Affaires Étrangères. WES, ECE, or AICE foreign credential evaluation maps to US bachelor's/master's equivalency. Master 2 typically maps to US Master's; Licence 3 maps to US Bachelor's; Grande École engineering diploma maps to US Master's of Engineering.

  4. 4

    France-US Totalization Agreement (1987) + tax treaty considerations

    Get a Certificat d'Affiliation from CLEISS before leaving — keeps you on French Sécurité Sociale for up to 5 years, exempt from US Social Security/Medicare. Beyond 5 years you switch to US system with French quarters counted toward eventual French Retraite. France-US tax treaty (1994, protocols 2009) prevents double-taxation on salary; CSG/CRDS contributions are NOT US-foreign-tax-creditable (French Bank case — only impôt sur le revenu qualifies). File Form 8833 to claim treaty benefits.

Personal-statement skeleton

Fill in each section with your own facts, dates, and details. The structure mirrors what caseworkers expect to find.

  1. Why the US for your career — and which sector

    French applicants benefit from specificity. Tech (SF Bay, NYC, Boston, Austin), finance (NYC, Chicago), pharma (Boston, NJ, Bay Area), fashion (NYC, LA), wine/spirits (NY, Miami, Houston), aerospace (Seattle, LA, Wichita), luxury hospitality (Las Vegas, Miami, NYC). Name your target US employer or sector — French expat business networks (French-American Chamber, La French Tech NYC/Boston/SF) are legitimate ties to mention.

  2. Your French employer / Grande École network

    List your French employer (with French SIRET if mentioning a small company), your role, your degree-issuing institution (Grandes Écoles are well-known to US Embassy Paris — name them clearly). For L-1, document the qualifying employment year-by-year with role progression. For E-2, document your French source-of-funds (PEA, livret, family gift via Don manuel notarié, business sale via SCI / SASU).

  3. Settlement vs return-to-France intent

    H-1B and L-1 allow dual intent — you can openly state PR plans (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 green card via PERM or self-petition). E-2 is non-immigrant; if you have PR intent state it through a different route (parallel EB-1A or marriage). French applicants who openly plan to keep French citizenship plus apply for US naturalisation are welcome — dual nationality is fully recognised by both countries.

  4. Family + dependants

    Spouse on L-2 has automatic work authorisation since 2023; H-4 spouse needs EAD (limited categories). E-2 spouse gets E-2D with full work rights. Children under 21 are derivative. State whether spouse is French (faster paperwork), EU citizen (still derivative), or third-country (separate considerations). Mention if any child is in CP/CE1/CE2 — US school placement around the French academic year matters.

Mistakes that cost real money

  • DS-160 fee $185 (H-1B/L-1) or $315 (E-2); pay in EUR cash/card at US Embassy Paris — no reciprocity fee for French citizens
  • Use WES iGPA Calculator (free online) before paying for the full evaluation; many US employers accept self-attested transcripts at offer stage and only require WES for petition filing
  • Don't withdraw your PEA early — France-US tax treaty preserves PEA tax advantages while you're US-resident if you don't make taxable events
  • Open a US-domiciled bank account with Wise USD or Mercury Business before relocation — avoids SEPA→SWIFT remittance fees on your first US payroll
  • French Embassy Washington DC + Consulates (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LA, Miami, New Orleans, NYC, SF) offer free apostille and notarisation for French citizens — saves $200+ vs US public notaries
  • Use La French Tech NYC / Boston / SF community discounts on relocation services — typically 15-30% off otherwise list-price quotes
  • Avoid French 'avocat américain' charging €5,000+ for an H-1B — US-based immigration attorneys at major firms (Fragomen, Berry Appleman, Erickson) often have flat-fee French desks at €2,500-3,500

DIY or hire a lawyer?

✓ DIY is fine if

  • Standard H-1B / L-1 with named US employer, clean record, clear French degree mapping
  • DS-160 interview prep and document gathering at US Embassy Paris
  • Spouse / dependent derivative applications (H-4, L-2, E-2D)
  • Renewal of existing H-1B / L-1 at the US Embassy in Paris during home leave
  • PERM-based EB-2 / EB-3 green card with cooperating US employer (Frenchies are current — no per-country backlog)

⚠ Get a specialist if

  • E-2 Treaty Investor — France's investment threshold scrutiny is rigorous; source-of-funds, 'substantiality', and 'real and operating' tests benefit from specialist drafting
  • EB-1A / EB-1B / O-1 — extraordinary ability petitions for French researchers / executives
  • Concurrent French Wegzugsbesteuerung-equivalent (Exit Tax under Article 167 bis CGI) when leaving France with substantial holdings >€800k
  • Prior US visa refusal or US overstay (even <180 days has 3-year bar implications)
  • French criminal record (peines / TIG) — disclosure to USCIS / DOS even if amnistied requires careful framing
  • DALF C1/C2 not held by spouse + spouse from non-EU third country — derivative coordination
  • PACS partner accompanying — not US-recognised for visa purposes; need plan (convert to marriage, separate visa)
This guidance is general — not legal advice. For high-stakes routes (refusal history, criminal record, complex finances), spend the money on a qualified immigration adviser regulated by your destination (UK: OISC / SRA; AU: MARA; US: bar-admitted attorney).

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Sources & references

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