The article from Le Courrier des Amériques provides a detailed update on the recent change in the duration of E-1 and E-2 visas for French citizens in the United States. Initially, Christopher Weissberg, the Deputy for French Nationals in North America, announced that these visas, specifically designed for investors, will now be valid for 48 months, effective from November 16.
Sylvain Perret, a French resident in Orlando who plays a key role in assisting businesses to establish in the U.S., expressed deep satisfaction with this development. Perret had been actively involved in raising awareness among officials and the administration about the previously shortened visa duration, which he found disappointing. He sees this extension as an immense relief and a return to normalcy.
He emphasizes that this achievement is the result of collaborative efforts from various groups: civil society, politicians from all political backgrounds, professionals, and the diplomatic sector. Perret particularly notes the significant impact this change will have on French entrepreneurs in the U.S. For new business ventures, having a four-year timeframe is crucial as it provides a more realistic period to establish a profitable business model and create employment opportunities, tasks that are notably challenging within a two-year period. Similarly, for those acquiring existing businesses, this extension offers more stability and reduces the pressure of achieving immediate success.
Overall, Perret expresses a sense of accomplishment and relief, not only for himself but for all French entrepreneurs in the U.S. who hold an E2 visa. The extended duration removes a significant hurdle, allowing these business owners to focus more on the growth and sustainability of their ventures without the looming pressure of a shorter visa term.
Sylvain Perret is a business professional who has been living in the United States since 2010. Along with his wife Daphnee, he has established several businesses in the country, including Integrity International Brokers, an agency based in Orlando where he works as a business broker, real estate broker, business consultant, and business plan writer. Over the years, he has helped numerous clients from around the world achieve success in their projects to create or take over a company in the United States with an E2 visa. He is highly knowledgeable about U.S. immigration issues and is the author of the book "S'expatrier aux USA grâce aux visas d'entrepreneurs," which is soon to be translated into English. Sylvain is also a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) by the International Business Brokers Association and is regularly consulted on issues related to this field. At the age of 50, Sylvain chose to enhance his expertise in finance and strategy by pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. He successfully graduated in May 2023, adding a valuable finishing touch to his knowledge. He is active on LinkedIn and Twitter, where he shares his insights and experiences with a wider audience.
