{"id":28631,"date":"2024-10-27T10:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-10-27T08:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carexpat.com\/blog\/?p=28631"},"modified":"2025-11-03T11:38:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T09:38:51","slug":"guide-to-expatriate-visas-in-the-usa-conditions-and-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carexpat.com\/blog\/en\/guide-to-expatriate-visas-in-the-usa-conditions-and-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to expatriate visas in the USA: conditions and advice"},"content":{"rendered":"

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It’s impossible to visit the U.S. without a travel authorization or visa, and it’s just as essential to take care of your health coverage before you leave. Even tourists must obtain an electronic travel authorization called ESTA<\/strong> (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which allows tourist or business stays of up to 90 days. Contrary to popular belief, the ESTA is not a visa, but a travel authorization. It is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, whether for a short stay or an expatriation, it is essential to take out appropriate health insurance<\/a>, as medical costs in the USA can be particularly high.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Visas mean professional activity<\/h2>\n

\nBefore getting into the nitty-gritty of the visa, it’s important to understand that to come to the U.S.<\/a> 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 \u00ab\u00a0simple\u00a0\u00bb to obtain, but it is one of the most expensive, as studies in the USA are expensive.<\/p>\n

Focus on temporary visas<\/h2>\n

\nWhatever 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).<\/p>\n

Student<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

EB-5 visa for investors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\nThe 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<\/strong> them to live in the United States<\/strong> for the duration of the visa.<\/p>\n

Employee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\nTo work in the U.S.<\/strong>, 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:<\/p>\n