Moving to the United States means tackling four concrete challenges in sequence: securing the right visa, arranging health cover (there is no universal safety net), choosing a city that suits your lifestyle, and managing your finances across two separate tax systems. This guide brings together the key steps to make your move a success.
Choosing Your Visa Before You Leave
Work Visas
Four visas account for the vast majority of applications:
- H-1B: the go-to skilled worker visa. Your US employer must sponsor you. Duration: 3 years, renewable once (6 years maximum). Awarded by annual lottery: competition is fierce and the cap is often reached within the first few months.
- L-1A / L-1B: for intra-company transfers. L-1A covers managers and executives; L-1B covers employees with specialised knowledge.
- O-1: reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field (science, arts, sport, business).
- E-2: investor visa, for entrepreneurs looking to set up or acquire a business in the United States. The investment typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the sector.
The Green Card
Permanent residency is obtained primarily through employer sponsorship (a process that can take more than five years), marriage to a US citizen or resident, investment (EB-5 visa), or the Diversity Visa programme. France is eligible for this programme, which is open to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. However, a suspension of the programme was announced by the US administration in December 2025: check the current status at travel.state.gov before taking any steps.
For a complete checklist to get your departure organised down to the last detail, see our guide how to prepare for a trip abroad the right way.
Health Insurance: The Most Critical Point
This is the first thing to lock down. The United States has no universal healthcare system: every treatment is paid for in full, and prices bear no resemblance to what you might pay elsewhere.
What Healthcare Actually Costs
| Treatment | Average Cost in the US | Cost in France |
|---|---|---|
| GP consultation | ~$200 | ~€25 |
| CT scan | ~$1,000 | ~€100 |
| Emergency room visit | ~$3,000 | ~€300 |
| Childbirth | ~$30,000 | ~€3,000 |
Medical inflation of 10% is projected for 2025, in a context where some standard insurers are posting increases of 20 to 50%. There is no national regulation to cap prices.
What French State Cover Does Not Include
French social security (Sécurité sociale) does not reimburse any treatment carried out in the United States. The CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) can top up your cover, but its reimbursements are calculated on French rate schedules, which bear no relation to real American prices. Without suitable international insurance, a single hospital stay can generate tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
Some employers include health coverage in their employment package: always check the out-of-pocket maximum and the annual deductible before relying on it alone.
Protect my health in the United States with YupwegoTo understand exactly what to check before taking out a policy, read what nobody tells you about travel insurance before you leave.
Finding Accommodation
Choosing Your City
The United States offers radically different lifestyles depending on the region. A few practical reference points:
- New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco: dense metropolises with well-developed public transport and some of the highest costs of living in the world.
- Austin, Denver, Miami, Phoenix: fast-growing cities with strong job markets and more affordable costs.
- Seattle, Portland: excellent quality of life and active French expat communities.
Housing costs, school district quality, professional opportunities in your field and the climate are the four factors to weigh against your personal situation.
Finding an Apartment
Start with a short-term rental (a furnished apartment or a monthly Airbnb) before signing a 12-month lease. Zillow and Apartments.com are the go-to platforms. Visit in person if at all possible: the safety and accessibility of a neighbourhood cannot be judged from photographs.
Schooling Your Children
American public schools are free, funded through local taxes, but quality varies considerably from one district to another. Before choosing where to live, check district ratings on GreatSchools.org. In major cities, French bilingual schools (affiliated with the AEFE or officially accredited) do exist, though their fees are significant.
Opening a Bank Account
Most US banks require a Social Security Number, a valid passport and proof of address. Compare the offerings from Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo before committing. Keep an active French bank account as well for international transfers and your ongoing tax obligations in France.
Getting Around
In major cities (New York, Chicago, Washington D.C.), public transport makes owning a car unnecessary. Outside these urban centres, a car is generally essential. Your French driving licence is accepted on a temporary basis, but each state requires you to obtain a local licence within a set timeframe: check the requirements with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in your state of residence as soon as you arrive.
Mobile and Internet
The main carriers are AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. When you first arrive, start with a prepaid plan or an eSIM: you can assess network coverage in your area before committing to an annual contract.
Managing Your Taxes as a French Expat
The US tax system is complex for foreigners, with two rules to keep in mind at all times:
- The United States taxes all its residents and citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they actually live.
- France and the United States have signed a bilateral tax treaty designed to prevent double taxation: depending on your status and the length of your stay, you may remain fully or partially taxable in France for part of the year.
- The Franco-American social security agreement also prevents double pension contributions for posted employees.
Engage a tax adviser familiar with both legal systems as soon as you arrive: a mistake in tax status can have serious consequences.
Fitting Into American Culture
Americans typically favour an informal register in daily life and in the workplace, but the working culture can come as a surprise: statutory holiday entitlement is limited and working hours tend to be long. A few cultural landmarks worth knowing: Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November), Independence Day (4 July) and Halloween (31 October) are deeply embedded in social life. Joining a local Alliance Française or a French expat association is one of the best ways to ease the transition and tap into a ready-made support network.
If you are exploring other destinations for your move abroad, our guide on living in Mauritius offers a useful point of comparison for a very different expat setting.
FAQ
Is France eligible for the Diversity Visa lottery?
Yes, France is eligible for the Diversity Visa programme (also known as the Green Card lottery), which is open to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. However, a suspension of the programme was announced by the US administration in December 2025. Check travel.state.gov for the current status before starting any application process.
What health insurance do I need to live in the United States?
International health insurance with specific US coverage is essential. French social security does not reimburse any treatment on American soil, and the CFE alone is not sufficient to cover local costs. Check reimbursement limits, deductibles and exclusions before signing. A single GP appointment already costs $200; a hospital stay can exceed $30,000.
Can I keep my French social security rights if I move to the United States?
Yes, through the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) for basic health cover, and depending on your status (posted employee, self-employed) for pension entitlements. The Franco-American social security agreement is designed to prevent double pension contributions for employees whose employer is French.
How much does it cost to live in the United States?
The cost of living varies enormously by city. New York and San Francisco rank among the most expensive cities in the world. Austin, Phoenix and Denver offer a much better value-for-money ratio. Healthcare costs are consistently underestimated: budget for solid international insurance and a substantial emergency fund before you make the move.
Do I absolutely need a visa to settle in the United States?
Yes. Tourists can stay for up to 90 days under the ESTA programme, but to settle, work or set up a business, the appropriate visa is mandatory. Working without a valid work visa exposes you to deportation and a ban on re-entering the United States.
