The Newest Visa Between US and Israel

By Travis P January 6, 2017 (Updated December 19, 2019) 4 min. read
US Israel Treaty

The Newest Visa Between US and Israel

Despite the ongoing Israeli visa crisis, recently the Israeli government has finally decided that it will accept the terms and conditions of the E-2 reciprocal visa status for American investors in Israel. Both the United States of America and Israel have taken the final step on finalizing Israel as a participant in the E-2 Non-Immigrant Investor Visa program. This program is designed to allow foreign business investors to invest in the US economy, and vice versa to Israel. The E-2 visa will allow citizens of Israel, as well as any essential employees and family to live and work in the US so that they may manage and oversee their investments. There are approximately 80 countries that are already business partners with the United States through the E-2 visa such as: all countries within the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, even Israel’s neighbor, Jordan.

This ongoing decision has been nicknamed a visa crisis because of the delay that Israel has put on the E-2 implication. Back in 2012, President Barack Obama signed legislation that authorized Israel to be added to the list of countries that are eligible for E-2 nonimmigrant investor visa to America. Although the United States and Israel have a strong economic relationship the source of the delay laid in Israel creating an equivalent visa. Two years after the United States approved the legislation the Israeli government finally approved the visa legislation on august 13, 2014. The Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated  “The investor visa approval is expected to contribute to Israel’s economy and create jobs for the citizens of Israel in the future”.  Sa’ar also stated that the agreement will open new avenues for investments within the Israeli-American economy.  Israel was finally on board with the idea but they needed time to iron out some details to the legislation since they did not have a visa category that paralleled with the United State’s E-2 visa. After much consideration the Israeli government decided it will implement the B-5 visa which contains terms that are equivalent to the United State E-2 investor visa. Israeli entrepreneurs have been waiting for this non-immigrant visa for investors since 2012 but the finalizing of the Israeli B-5 visa was the last and final step.

What does this mean for you?

As result of the E-2 visa, it will now be made to nationals of Israel. Ratifying the United States and Israel bilateral E-2 visa, the change will encourage economic growth in both countries and strengthen their political relations. The investors that are looking to come to America must be coming with direct intent to develop the business they intend to provide. Investors must remain in the United States to develop, direct and oversee the business they are invested in. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services states that they also “must show at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device”. The E-2 investor visa is also intended for those who are considered a necessary employee, employed in a supervision position. This visa does not apply for those who have an ordinary skill or for unskilled workers. The workers must provide a highly skilled specialized skill.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website states that the qualified E-2 investor visa holders will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. They may request for extension and will be granted increments of up to two years each if approved. The great news is that there is no limit to the number of extensions to the E-2 non-immigrant visa.

The only thing left is for the countries to publish the agenda and announce the date in which the applications must be submitted by. The government officials have estimated this to be in about 3 months.

How we can help you..

Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, essential  employee, skilled employee, or the family of an E-2 Treaty investor, here at VisaPlace we are qualified to help you. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals. Our professionals consists of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates. Our company is an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client services. Our lawyers are all trained to be very responsive and they know how to deal with government officials effectively in order to maximize outcomes for all visa applications.

Are you interested in immigrating to the US?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.

Domenico Orsi Avatar

Domenico Orsi

Bansuri was great help on the phone today. They were able to swiftly set up an appointment and facilitate all of my needs and questions.