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Major changes announced — then pulled? — for E2 and E1 visas for French nationals
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</h3><h4><i>by <a href=”http://discuss.ilw.com/articles/articles/391687-article-major-changes-announced-%E2%80%94-then-pulled-%E2%80%94-for-e2-and-e1-visas-for-french-nationals-by-paul-monson#bio”>
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Paul Monson, Managing Director and Partner – Joorney
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<p>
Over the last month, French nationals on E1 and E2 visas have been taken
for a roller coaster ride after the announcement of major changes to the
validity period for those business visas.
</p>
<p>
In August, the U.S. Department of State had announced changes in the E1 and
E2 visa programs for French nationals that would reduce the validity period
for those visas from 60 months to 15 months. This new policy was initially
set to go into effect on Aug. 29 but was then delayed and set to be
re-assessed on Sept. 26.
</p>
<p>
And now…crickets. The State Department has removed the mention of the
policy change from its website. Still, the volatility is cause for concern,
not just for French nationals but for other foreign business visa holders
concerned about abrupt changes to their visa application conditions.
</p>
<p>
How did we get here and why was France seemingly targeted?
</p>
<p>
My team of immigration business plan professionals have been working hard
to learn as much as we can about any pending changes to E1 and E2 visas.
Based on our review of various online discussions, statements made by
officials, and general lack of information, we prefer to take a more
optimistic view on the news and believe these proposed changes — if they
even come to fruition — to be only temporary.
</p>
<p>
<strong>
Will the proposed French E1 and E2 visa program changes be implemented?
If so, will they be temporary or permanent?
</strong>
</p>
<p>
<strong></strong>
</p>
<p>
While the reduction from five years to just over one year is considerable,
it is important to note that the measure is believed to be reciprocal.
Americans willing to work or invest in France are subject to similar
restrictions.
<br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>
A recent update that was published on the website of the U.S. Embassy in
France describes the change in validity period as “
<em>
commensurate to the treatment afforded to U.S. citizens by the
Government of France
</em>
.” In other words, the U.S. is only retaliating to measures implemented by
France.
</p>
<p>
However, through research and after reading more on the topic, this could
actually be the result of a slight misunderstanding in the details of
French business visa and how it reciprocates to U.S. E1 and E2 visa
programs.
<br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>
Thus, it could be only a matter of time until the representatives of the
two countries sit down and work out better conditions for their investors.
That may already be happening given the abrupt lifting of this issue from
the State Department’s website. A simple look at the numbers proves that
doing so is in the best interest of both countries, especially the U.S.
</p>
<p>
In 2017, direct investments from France to the U.S. reached $275.47
billion, the highest level since 2000. That same year, the direct
investments from the U.S. to France only reached $85.57 billion, less than
the over 90 billion invested in 2008.
<br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>
Under the circumstances, it is safe to say that it is in the best interests
of the U.S. to keep these measures temporary. That is precisely what our
team thinks will happen if these changes go into effect. These changes may
even be part of a larger negotiation on foreign policy. Hopefully, France
will review its policy soon and get the U.S. to do the same so that we do
not have any more of these validation shortening scares.
</p>
<p>
Of course, this is just one take on the recent events and policy changes.
More time and information are needed for a clear assessment of what will
really happen.
</p>
<p>
Only time will tell if these changes reappear or ever come to fruition.
</p>
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About The Author<br/>
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<p>
<b>Paul Monson</b> is the Managing Director and Partner at Joorney Immigration Business Plans. The firm specializes in writing E2, L1 and EB5 business plans and market studies for foreign investors preparing their move to the US.
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