France and US Immigration: Challenges for French and US Citizens
The movement of French and US citizens between their respective countries for residence and employment carries its own distinct sets of obstacles. Asif Arif, a dedicated immigration attorney, explores these challenges in an exclusive interview with Lawyer Monthly, offering his advice to prospective immigrants on what to expect and how best to prepare.
Could you explain the differences between temporary visas, permanent residency and citizenship in France? What are the advantages and limitations of each?
France has a different approach to immigration than the United States. While the US has decided to classify immigrants as ‘non-immigrants’ and ‘immigrants’, France does not adopt such classification. Instead, French law proposes a unique classification of ‘étrangers en situation irrégulière’ or ‘undocumented immigrants’. These individuals must qualify for a category outlined in the French Immigration Code, which is a compilation of rules similar to the Code of Federal Regulations.
Work visas and work-based residency: France offers residency options based on extraordinary talent, highly skilled workers, international artists and unskilled workers. Overall, the implications of each residency category differ, but it appears that the current government is particularly interested in highly qualified immigrants, emphasising talent-based immigration. For unskilled workers, the government is working to grant legal status to undocumented immigrants working in France (without being formally employed as French citizens but based on their passports) if they can demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of residing in France for the past five years and having eight monthly paystubs. Work-based residency includes access to social security in France and healthcare services, but it is subject to a considerable amount of discretion.
Marriage-based visas and residency: If a US citizen (‘USC’) is married to a French citizen, they must apply for a long-term visa as the spouse of a French citizen at the French Embassy. Additionally, they need to register their US marriage license with the French Embassy. This visa application is free and allows the USC to seek employment in France (note that visitor status holders cannot seek employment). It is worth noting that France recognises not only legal marriages but also a broader conception of couples. Marriage-based residency includes access to social security in France and healthcare services, making it the most favourable residency option in France.
Long-term visitor visas and residency: When a USC wishes to retire in France or has the opportunity to work remotely for their US employer and relocate to France, the long-term visitor visa provides the option to seek residency without stringent criteria. This visa is granted to a USC if they can demonstrate sufficient income, secure a specific type of health insurance and sign a statement confirming that they will not seek employment in France. Visitor-based residency does not include social security coverage in France or access to healthcare services.
Citizenship: Citizenship in France generally requires continuous legal residence in France for the past five years. For the spouse of a French citizen, this duration is reduced to three years. It is important to note that citizenship necessitates a proficient level of the French language (B2 level), professional integration and good moral character. Therefore, USC individuals should be careful to file taxes in France and avoid convictions for aggravated offenses. If a holder of a visitor residency card renews it every year for five years and applies for French citizenship, they will need to demonstrate good cause for professional integration, which can be challenging.
Can you provide an overview of the most common types of visas that US citizens typically apply for when seeking to move to France?
Our law firm frequently assists USC with various visa matters, with a notable emphasis on marriage-based visas and long-term visitor visas. Many retired USC individuals from California and across numerous other states seek our expertise, especially those who wish to spend a significant portion of their time in European countries. This growing trend underscores the allure of European living for retirees and the appeal of exploring new horizons. In recent times, our firm has witnessed a remarkable uptick in USC clients interested in establishing corporations or launching businesses in France.
To obtain a visa enabling a three-year residency (renewable), US citizens are required to invest a minimum of €30,000 in France, along with establishing a robust foundation for their business. This entails meticulous planning, including a comprehensive business plan, roadmap and budget for advertising. This visa category closely aligns with what Americans are accustomed to under the Investment Treaty Country non-immigrant visa, such as the E-1 or E-2 visas.
Our role in assisting these enterprising USC clients extends to providing expert guidance throughout the intricate process, ensuring that they meet all legal requirements and helping them embark on their entrepreneurial journey in France with confidence.
What are the primary challenges that US citizens often encounter when applying for a French visa or residence permit, and how can these challenges be overcome?
While the prospect of establishing oneself in France holds immense appeal for US citizens, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that often arise, primarily rooted in the language barrier and the fundamentally different system of rules and regulations. These disparities can understandably lead to anxiety among Americans looking to make the move.
This is precisely why our law firm has garnered such popularity among US citizens seeking to establish a foothold in France. Our approach goes beyond legal work; it is about equipping US citizens with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. We firmly believe that knowledge is empowerment, and we ensure that our clients are well-informed every step of the way.
For instance, one significant hurdle that US citizens often face is opening a bank account in France. We not only alert them to this critical requirement but also guide them through the process and advise on additional steps to proactively mitigate potential future issues.
Another common scenario we encounter involves individuals who attempt to navigate the visa application process on their own, only to discover that a crucial document was missing from their submission — an item not even listed in the official document requirements. In such cases, we serve as a bridge and a reliable source of support for US citizens, helping them navigate the complexities of immigration procedures successfully. Our commitment is to be a trusted ally throughout their journey, ensuring a smoother transition and a more confident start to their new life in France.
Are there any specific professions or industries in France that are more welcoming to US expatriates, and if so, what are the visa options available for individuals in these sectors?
Recently, the French government introduced the ‘French Tech’ program, aimed at cultivating an environment conducive to startup investment in France across various pivotal sectors, including agriculture, sustainable energies and health technology. This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to position France as the preeminent hub for startups, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron’s vision of creating a ‘start-up nation’.
One remarkable facet of this endeavour is the ‘French Tech Visa’, which is obtainable upon meeting the stringent qualification criteria established by the French Tech team. This visa offers entrepreneurs and innovators an expedited path to enter and work within the French tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, collaboration and growth.
Furthermore, France is open to considering investment visa requests that have the potential to stimulate employment opportunities for French citizens, thereby contributing to the alleviation of unemployment challenges in the country. This underscores France’s dedication to not only attracting international talent but also to fostering economic prosperity and development within its borders.
In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings that US citizens have about the immigration process in France, and how do you address them?
It is not uncommon for US citizens to assume that their waiver traveller status grants them the ability to establish permanent residence in France, enticed by the allure of the French lifestyle. I often encounter clients who express a desire to adjust their immigration status while in France under a tourist entry, even though the culture of adjustment is not prevalent in France.
In such cases, my consistent advice to US citizens is to proactively secure the appropriate visa before their arrival in France. By doing so, they can navigate the immigration process smoothly, ensuring that they have the necessary documentation to reside in France legally. This proactive approach not only guarantees compliance with French immigration laws but also simplifies the process in subsequent years.
At our firm, we prioritise providing comprehensive guidance to US citizens, empowering them to make informed decisions about their immigration journey and avoid potential complications down the road.
How long does the process typically take from applying for a visa to obtaining permanent residency or citizenship, and are there any strategies to expedite the process?
When it comes to visa applications, our law firm typically receives approvals within a remarkably efficient timeframe of nine to 10 days. This quick turnaround is the norm, barring any highly specific requests for additional evidence from the Embassy, which can occasionally extend the processing time.
In contrast, clients who choose to handle their applications pro se often encounter lengthier delays, primarily due to missing documents or incomplete submissions. Expedited processing can only be pursued in exceptional cases where ‘good cause’ can be demonstrated, although such opportunities are quite limited, particularly in the context of US consulate proceedings.
Obtaining citizenship, whether through the consulate or other means, presents a more intricate process. It typically requires the US citizen to have resided in France for a minimum of three years or to establish strong ties with the Consulate through, for instance, a marriage to a French citizen. The citizenship application process in France is renowned for its duration, averaging around two years. Unfortunately, there are no provisions for expediting this process, and applicants must be prepared for the substantial wait times involved.
What resources or support services do you recommend to US citizens who are planning to settle in France, such as expatriate communities or cultural integration programs?
In today’s digital age, there are numerous online communities across various social media platforms dedicated to discussing the unique challenges faced by Americans who have established themselves in France. These groups provide valuable insights, shared experiences and a sense of camaraderie for expats navigating the complexities of life abroad.
At our firm, we understand the importance of having a reliable support system in place. We take pride in being the kind of attorneys who are readily accessible when you need additional information or guidance on a specific legal matter. Whether it is addressing questions about immigration processes, global mobility, or any other legal concerns, we are here to pick up the phone and provide you with the expertise and assistance you require.
Conversely, what are the most common obstacles that French expats face when seeking to immigrate to the US?
When a French citizen relocates to the US, it often symbolises the pursuit of the American dream — a concept deeply ingrained in the aspirations of many French individuals who view America as the land of boundless opportunities. This dream has inspired countless professionals to take their businesses to international heights on American soil. However, alongside these dreams, it is crucial for these individuals to have the right legal representation to navigate potential challenges effectively.
In my experience, I have encountered numerous clients who approach me with the desire to make the US their new home, only to find themselves facing legal issues due to past convictions or overstaying their visas, resulting in potential bans ranging from three to 10 years. The reality is that the land of opportunity is accessible to immigrants and non-immigrant visa holders who enter the appropriate category. Some hopeful French citizens arrive with grand dreams but quickly confront the complexities of the US legal framework.
At our firm, we recognise the importance of guiding individuals through these intricate processes, ensuring they have the proper legal support to realize their American dreams while avoiding any unforeseen legal complications.
About Asif Arif
Asif Arif is an emerging attorney specialising in immigration and global mobility. Holding memberships in the Paris and California Bar Associations, Asif boasts over a decade of expertise in advocating for clients with cross-border interests between France and the United States. He stands as a pivotal figure in the French-American legal landscape, adeptly representing both Americans relocating to France and French citizens moving to the United States. His clientele spans corporations, international artists, renowned athletes and executive managers, reflecting his dedication to delivering exceptional legal counsel.
Asif Arif
Attorney
5001 Birch St – Suite 7,
Newport Beach, CA 92660-2110, USA
Tel: +1 949-394-0232
E: asif@ariflawoffices.com
www.ariflawoffices.com
