Moving to the United States from France

Visa Pathways for French Citizens

France is a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, which allows French citizens to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding ^[1]. VWP entry does not authorize employment and cannot be extended or converted to a work visa from within the US.

E-2 treaty investor visa.

France has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, making French citizens eligible for the E-2 treaty investor visa ^[2]. The E-2 allows you to enter and work in the US based on a substantial investment in a US business that you direct and develop ^[2]. There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but the investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise. E-2 visas are renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, but they do not directly lead to permanent residence ^[2].

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

French professionals with at least a bachelor's degree can be sponsored by US employers for H-1B visas in specialty occupations ^[2]. The employer files a petition with USCIS, and the visa is subject to an annual cap with a lottery selection process ^[2].

L-1 intracompany transfer.

French employees of multinational companies with US offices can transfer on an L-1 visa ^[2]. L-1A covers managers and executives, L-1B covers specialized knowledge workers. This is a common pathway for employees of French companies with US subsidiaries ^[2].

O-1 extraordinary ability.

For French nationals with extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Requires demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim ^[2].

Employment-based immigration (EB categories).

French citizens can pursue permanent residence through the EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals), or EB-3 (skilled workers) categories ^[2]. Most require employer sponsorship and a labor market test ^[2]. Wait times for French nationals are generally shorter than for high-demand countries because France does not typically hit per-country visa caps ^[2].

Family-based immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for French spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Immediate relatives of US citizens are not subject to numerical limits ^[2].

Student visas (F-1/J-1).

French students admitted to US institutions can obtain F-1 student visas ^[2]. After completing a degree, Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides 12 months of work authorization, with STEM graduates eligible for a 24-month extension ^[2].

US Tax Obligations and the US-France Tax Treaty

Once you become a US tax resident (through the green card test or the substantial presence test), you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts at least 31 days in the current year and 183 days over a weighted three-year period ^[2].

US-France Income Tax Convention.

The United States and France have a comprehensive income tax treaty, originally signed in 1994 with protocols added in 2004 and 2009 ^[3]. The treaty prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits and reduced withholding rates on cross-border income including dividends, interest, and royalties. It also contains a residency tiebreaker article for individuals who meet the tax residency criteria of both countries simultaneously.

Foreign Tax Credit.

French taxes paid on income that is also subject to US tax can be credited against your US liability on Form 1116 ^[4]. Because French income tax rates exceed US rates for many brackets, the credit typically offsets most or all of your US tax on French-source income.

French departure levy (exit fiscal).

France imposes a departure levy on unrealized capital gains for individuals who have been long-term French tax residents. The tax is assessed on unrealized gains exceeding a threshold on securities holdings, participations, and certain financial instruments. Payment can be deferred (with a guarantee) until the assets are actually sold. Consult a cross-border tax advisor before your move to assess whether you trigger this obligation and how the US-France treaty interacts with it.

French social charges and US tax.

France levies social charges (CSG, CRDS) on investment income. The classification of these charges under the US-France treaty, and whether they qualify for credits under Form 1116, has been the subject of guidance changes ^[4]. Consult a tax professional to determine the current treatment.

FBAR and FATCA.

If you maintain French bank accounts after becoming a US tax resident, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) if the aggregate value of your foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year ^[1]. FATCA Form 8938 reporting applies to foreign financial assets above specified thresholds ^[1].

Retirement accounts.

French retirement savings (assurance vie, PEA, Plan d'Epargne Retraite) receive tax-advantaged treatment in France, but the US does not automatically recognize these tax benefits. Distributions may be taxable in the US. The treaty provides some coordination, but the treatment of specific French savings products is complex enough to require professional advice before your first US filing.

Healthcare Transition

France's public healthcare system (Assurance Maladie) does not cover medical expenses in the United States. You must obtain US-based health insurance before or upon arrival.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most US employers offer group health insurance. Enrollment is typically available within 30 days of your start date. Plans vary widely in premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. US healthcare costs are significantly higher than France, and out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles and copays) are part of the system even with insurance.

ACA marketplace.

If you are a lawful permanent resident or hold certain work visas, you can purchase individual plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Subsidies are available depending on income. Open Enrollment occurs annually, with Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events including a move to a new state.

The coverage gap.

Between leaving French Sécurité Sociale coverage and starting US insurance, you need bridge coverage. International health plans from providers like Cigna Global or Allianz Care can cover you during this transition. Some French expats maintain their Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE) voluntary coverage during the transition period, though CFE primarily reimburses care received abroad at French public rates, which may fall well short of US costs.

Prescription medications.

US pharmacies require US-licensed physician prescriptions. Bring documentation of your current medications using International Nonproprietary Names and dosages. Some medications available without prescription in France require a prescription in the US. Controlled substance regulations differ between the two countries.

Mental health.

Mental healthcare in the US is typically covered by health insurance plans, though networks may be limited. Unlike France, where psychiatrist visits are partially covered by Sécurité Sociale, US mental health services carry the same deductibles and copays as other medical visits under most plans.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open accounts at major US banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) with a valid French passport, a US visa, and a US address. You will initially lack a Social Security Number. Some banks allow account opening with a passport and visa alone, adding the SSN once you receive one. Others require an ITIN as a temporary alternative ^[1].

FATCA and French bank accounts.

If you maintain French bank accounts after becoming a US tax resident, FATCA requires your French financial institutions to report your account information to the IRS. Some French banks may close or restrict accounts held by US tax residents due to FATCA compliance costs. BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole generally continue to serve US-connected clients, but confirm with your specific branch.

US-France Social Security Totalization Agreement.

The US and France have a bilateral social security agreement that prevents dual social security taxation and allows you to combine work credits from both countries toward benefit eligibility ^[2]. If you are sent to the US by a French employer temporarily, you may continue paying into France's system and obtain an exemption from US FICA taxes through a certificate of coverage. Long-term US residents pay into the US system. You can count combined US and French work credits to qualify for benefits from either country.

Credit history.

France's credit system (Banque de France fichier) does not transfer to the US. You start with no US credit score. Secured credit cards are the standard entry point. Some services now offer credit-builder programs for recent immigrants.

Currency.

The EUR/USD exchange rate affects your purchasing power and the value of any income or assets remaining in France. For recurring transfers between French and US accounts, services like Wise and Revolut typically offer better rates than traditional bank wire transfers.

French retirement (retraite).

Your French pension rights (régime général, complémentaire AGIRC-ARRCO) are preserved even after you leave France. You can claim French pension benefits when you reach retirement age regardless of where you live, and the totalization agreement means your US work credits can help you meet minimum contribution thresholds in France.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Door-to-door shipping a 20-foot container from France to the US (Le Havre or Marseille to a US East Coast port) typically takes several weeks for ocean transit. Total costs for door-to-door service including customs clearance vary based on volume and destination city. Get at least three written quotes from international movers.

US customs duties.

Personal effects and household goods that you have owned and used for at least one year are generally exempt from US customs duties. You must declare all items on your customs form. New or recently purchased items, gifts, and commercial goods may be subject to duty. Alcohol and tobacco imports face quantity restrictions and excise taxes.

Importing a vehicle.

Bringing a French-registered car to the US is technically possible but rarely practical. US safety standards (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and emissions standards (EPA) differ from EU regulations. Compliance modifications are expensive, and many European vehicles cannot be brought into compliance at all. Most French expats sell their car before departure and buy or lease one in the US. Both France and the US drive on the right side, but headlight beam patterns must meet US DOT specifications.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs and cats entering the US must meet CDC health requirements. Dogs must be microchipped, appear healthy, and meet rabies vaccination requirements based on the dog's country of origin. France is classified as a low-risk rabies country by the CDC, which simplifies documentation compared to high-risk countries. Airlines operating US-France routes (Delta, Air France, United) have specific carrier and weight policies for cabin and cargo pet transport.

Driver's license.

France and the US do not have a reciprocal license exchange agreement at the federal level. Each US state sets its own rules. Some states allow you to exchange a French license directly; others require a full written and road test. Check the specific state's DMV requirements before arrival. You can drive on your French license with an International Driving Permit for a short initial period.

Time zones.

The US East Coast (New York, Washington DC) is 6 hours behind France during standard time. If you work remotely for a French employer, a 9am Paris start is 3am in New York. West Coast time (Los Angeles) is 9 hours behind France.

Cultural Adjustment

Work culture.

US workplaces are generally more informal in communication style but more demanding in work hours compared to France. There is no legal equivalent to France's 35-hour workweek. Salaried employees routinely work 45 to 50 hours per week. Paid vacation is not legally mandated at the federal level, and most employers offer 10 to 15 days of paid time off initially, rising with tenure. This is a significant adjustment from France's legally mandated five weeks.

At-will employment.

In most US states, employment is "at-will," meaning either party can terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause. This is fundamentally different from France's Code du Travail protections around dismissal procedures, notice periods, and severance. Contracts are less common for non-executive roles.

Healthcare costs.

The financial structure of US healthcare is one of the biggest adjustments for French expats. Even with insurance, you will encounter deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance begins covering costs), copays (a fixed fee per visit), and coinsurance (a percentage you pay after meeting the deductible). Emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and specialist care can generate significant bills.

Tipping culture.

Tipping is expected in the US for restaurant service (15 to 20% of the pre-tax bill), taxi and rideshare rides (15 to 20%), food delivery (15 to 20%), hair salons, and hotel housekeeping. Service staff wages are structured around the expectation of tips. This is a significant cultural difference from France, where service is included in the price.

French community.

French expat communities exist in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and the Washington DC area. The Alliance Française has chapters in many US cities offering language and cultural programming. French-language schools (lycées français) operate in several cities for families with children.

Language.

While many French citizens speak English, everyday American English includes idioms, regional accents, and informal vocabulary that differ from what is taught in French schools. Professional English proficiency is expected in most workplaces.

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