US Extends E Visa for French Entrepreneurs and Investors to 4 Years

Good news for current and prospective E visa holders! Starting Thursday 16 November, the duration of the E visa for entrepreneurs and investors will double from 2 to 4 years.

"This international agreement is crucial to strengthening economic ties between the United States and France, which I strongly support," wrote Christopher Weissberg, Member of Parliament for French North Americans, in a statement on Tuesday 7 November.

Franco-American Reciprocity Agreement

The previous U.S. decision to reduce the validity of E1 and E2 visas from 5 years to 15 months in 2019 came with extra administrative hassles and more frequent renewal costs for applicants.

The surprise measure—applied only to French nationals—stemmed from a March 2017 internal directive instructing the U.S. State Department to review reciprocity terms for non-immigrant visas. This issue was part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the United States in December 2022.

In return for the extension, U.S. lawmaker Weissberg notes that France has pledged to streamline all application and renewal processes for American entrepreneurs and investors seeking visas in France.

Reviving Business Creation

Sylvain Perret, founder of a consultancy helping French people set up businesses in the U.S., is overjoyed. "This doesn’t just ease visa renewals—it will reignite business creation as well," he explains. "Since the shortening, we’ve seen a sharp drop in interest for E visas. Now many people who had shelved their projects are dusting them off."

• 4-Year U.S. Visa for Certain French Nationals: A new reciprocal agreement now allows French citizens to request a 4-year U.S. visa.

• Simpler Pathways for U.S. Investors in France: U.S. investors in France will see their residency permits extended from 25 to 48 months, giving French entrepreneurs longer U.S. stays while offering American entrepreneurs faster, easier French visa procedures.

Procedures for U.S. Investors Heading to France

Under France’s current Passeport Talent program—which runs for four years—U.S. investors coming to France will benefit from streamlined, accelerated procedures. The permit is open to those who invest through a company they own at least 30% of, or who make a personal investment in a company where they take a hands-on role or acquire at least 10% of the capital.

In both cases, entrepreneurs must commit to creating or preserving jobs within four years of the investment and provide financial backing of at least €300,000.