Legal Question in Immigration Law in New York

Re: does someone living in another country have to go to their country if they a

The part of your question that refers to foreign (French) law (whether personal appearance is required) should be answered by a French avocat or notaire. However, your friend may be eligible to receive advance parole (the right to return to the U.S.) in some circumstances or be able to come back on the original visa he/she currently has. All of this depends on the facts of your friend's status in the U.S. and the type of application for permanent residence. If your friend needs U.S. immigration advice, I would be pleased to help.