Effective November 16, 2023, a new visa and residence permit mechanism for French and US investors allows US investors and their family members to access a fast-track process for obtaining visas and four-year “passeport talent” residence permits.
At the same time, French citizens wishing to invest in the US are now eligible for US Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas valid for four-years, up from 25 months.
- “Passeport talent” residence permits allow stays of up to four years for highly-qualified employees, intra-company transferees, employees of “new innovative enterprises,” business creators, investors and performers, among others.
- Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas are for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation, including France.
- Applicants must be going to the United States to engage in substantial trade, including trade in services or technology, in qualifying activities, principally between the United States and the treaty country; to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital; or to fill an executive/supervisory role or provide skills essential to the operations of a firm that qualifies as an E-1 or E-2 business.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.