Guide to expatriate visas in the USA: conditions and advice

Visas mean professional activity

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the visa, it’s important to understand that to come to the U.S. you must have a job, or at least an activity (be it investing in a business, studying, doing an internship or research). Not only must you have this project, but you must also complete the necessary formalities. You can’t come to the U.S. as a tourist to look for a job (because that means you’re trying to immigrate without authorization), so if you want to stay in the U.S., the first thing to do is to find a company, considered a sponsor, that agrees both to hire you and to pay for your visa. This can be a job or a project, as we used to say. Many entrepreneurs, for example, relocate to the U.S. to take advantage of the ease of doing business in the country. You can also come as an investor or as a student. Please note: the student visa is considered relatively “simple” to obtain, but it is one of the most expensive, as studies in the USA are expensive.

Focus on temporary visas

Whatever the job, your employer must submit a job offer to the U.S. Immigration Service. Once approved, the employer receives a work authorization, which then enables the visa application to be submitted. Once your visa has been approved, it will appear in your passport (probably the most important document you’ll need during your stay in the USA).

Student

The F visa is reserved for students (and their spouses and children under 21) enrolled in language or higher education programs, and the M visa for professional, extracurricular, technical or specialized studies.

EB-5 visa for investors

The EB-5 visa is a program that grants 10,000 visas a year to entrepreneurs investing and creating jobs on American soil. Since the 2022 reform, the minimum investment requirement has been revised: it now stands at $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), which include rural areas or areas with high unemployment. Outside these areas, the minimum investment is $1,050,000. It is also necessary to prove that the investment is linked to a legal activity to prevent money laundering. The E-2 visa is intended for citizens of countries that have signed a trade treaty with the United States. Contrary to what is mentioned in the original article, the initial duration of the E-2 visa is generally two to five years, with the possibility of renewals as long as the eligibility conditions are met. This visa also includes spouses and dependent children, allowing them to live in the United States for the duration of the visa.

Employee

To work in the U.S., you need to find an employer on U.S. soil who is willing to sponsor you and accompany you through the visa application process. Here is a summary of the main work-related visas:

• H-1B visa: The most common for skilled workers. It is granted for 3 years and can be renewed once, for a total stay of 6 years.
• H-1C visa: For qualified nurses.
• H-2A visa: For temporary or seasonal agricultural workers.
• H-2B Visa: For non-agricultural seasonal employees.
• H-3 Visa: For training courses.
• H-4 visa: For spouses and children of H visa holders.

Other specific visas:

• Visa I: For journalists and press correspondents.
• L-1 visa: For employees transferred to subsidiaries or affiliates.
• P-1, P-2, P-3 visas: For artists, athletes and show-business professionals.
• A Visa: For government officials such as diplomats and consulate employees.
• B visa: For business (issued for 3 to 10 years, but allowing a stay of 6 months per year).
• J visa: For exchange, research or training programs.
• R Visa: For religious workers.
• O Visa: Designed for people with skills considered extraordinary in their field (valid for 3 years).

These options offer a variety of solutions depending on the professional profile and type of activity envisaged

The green card for permanent residence

The green card is a permanent resident card that allows you to work and travel freely in the country. It’s a kind of identification document for non-American citizens. However, you can only apply if you are sponsored by a company, or if the government deems you to be of particular interest to the country (the EB-1 visa for exceptional talent). The procedure is long and complicated (and expensive). As a result, many people start the process with the help of a lawyer to advise and guide them through. However, the green card is the best way to stay indefinitely in the country. All other visas have an expiry date. Finally, after 5 years on a green card, it is possible to apply for US citizenship.

Note: it is also possible to obtain a green card by marrying an American citizen, or by sponsoring a family member.

Winning your green card in a lottery

It may seem surprising when you consider how difficult and serious the process of living in the USA can be, but there is also the possibility of entering a lottery to “win a visa”. Every year, the USA issues 55,000 green cards by lottery (there are quotas according to nationality). To apply, you need to have a diploma and be born in one of the countries authorized to participate. All you have to do is fill in a form on the official website. Registration is free and open from October to November each year. The draws are published in May (of the following year). One last thing: you’ve found a job, a company that wants to take you on? Don’t forget to check with your employer whether he or she is willing to pay for the visa process, offer paid leave and, above all, provide and finance health insurance. Healthcare costs in the United States are higher than in France. It’s important to find out what your job or international health insurance offers before you leave!

Health insurance for expatriates in the USA

The United States has a predominantly private healthcare system, with medical costs among the highest in the world. It is therefore essential for expatriates to take out appropriate health insurance before they leave. Several options are available:

• International health insurance: These contracts offer worldwide coverage, including the USA, and are advantageous for those who travel frequently or plan to reside in different countries. They generally cover hospitalization, medical consultations, as well as dental and optical care (optional). It is important to check that the insurance you choose is accepted by American healthcare providers, and that it offers reimbursement ceilings adapted to local costs. .
• Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): CFE allows French expatriates to continue to benefit from health coverage based on the French Social Security system. However, reimbursements are often much lower than in the US. It is therefore advisable to supplement CFE coverage with additional insurance to cover the difference. Santexpat.fr is a leading partner of the Caisse des Français de l’Etranger in the USA.

Before choosing an insurance policy, it’s important to assess your needs, compare the offers available and make sure that the proposed coverage corresponds to the requirements of the American healthcare system. Don’t hesitate to use our Santexpat.fr health insurance comparator