Guide to obtain E-2 Visa For An Israeli Citizens
E-1 VisaUK ImmigrationItaly ImmigrationE2 Visa ProcessE2 Visa RenewalISRAEL ACCESSIBILITY TO E-2 VISAS:
On May 1, 2019 Israel became the latest
country whose citizens can qualify
for the United States
E2 visa. The United States is the only major country that experiences a net
inflow of Israeli Nationals.
2020 was the first full year in which E2 visas were available to Israeli Nationals.
As Israeli businesses grow their market share of the lucrative US market and
Israeli entrepreneurs continue to access the US market we anticipate a rapid
rise in Israeli E2 visa applications.
E-2 Visa for Israelis: An Opportunity for Israeli Entrepreneurs in the Thriving Tech Hub
In recent years, Israel has emerged as a dynamic entrepreneurial hub, with over a thousand startups created annually and a leading position in global innovation, attracting U.S. investors and fostering a mutually beneficial economic relationship.
Israeli entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to various sectors, from creating popular applications like Viber to pioneering life-saving innovations like Zebra Medical Vision's early breast cancer detection algorithm.
As the Israeli entrepreneurial landscape continues to expand globally, many entrepreneurs aspire to enter the diverse and competitive U.S. market. The E-2 Visa in Israel offers them a gateway to success. This visa stands out with a remarkable approval rate, in contrast to other visas with more stringent requirements and lower approval rates. Notably, the number of E-2 Visas issued has been steadily increasing since 2018. With Israel's recent inclusion as an active E2 treaty country, Israeli entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to tap into the advantages of the E-2 Visa. Even before this addition, some Israelis with dual nationalities were taking advantage of the E-2 Visas opportunities.WHAT IS AN E-2 VISA AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT ISRAELI CITIZENS?
E-2 Visa:
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically created for entrepreneurs and investors aiming to reside and work in the United States.
This visa grants entry to the U.S. contingent on a significant investment you intend to make in the country. This investment can take the form of launching new businesses or acquiring existing ones, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the U.S. economy.
The benefits of obtaining an E-2 Visa
Direct and Control a US Business. The United States E2 visaUnited States E2 visa enables a citizen of Israel to:
- Operate a new business from within the United States or
- Acquire and operate business of any size form within the United States
Work in a US Business. An Israeli Citizen can also use the E2 visa to bring other Israeli Nationals to the United States to work in a US business they own.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE E-2 VISA IN ISRAEL?
To be eligible for the E-2 Visa in Israel, there are several key requirements to fulfill:
- Treaty Country Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of a country that has a treaty of trade and commerce with the United States. Notably, Israel has recently been added to the list of treaty countries.
- Substantial Investment: Applicants are required to invest, or be in the process of investing, a substantial amount. They must also demonstrate legitimate possession and control of the funds. All invested funds must be in "at-risk" status and irrevocably committed.
- Relevant Skill Set: Applicants need to possess the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage and run the business. Educational background and work experience play a significant role in meeting this criterion.
- Non-Marginal Business: The business cannot be marginal; it must be profitable and show potential for growth, including the capacity to hire more employees as the business progresses.
- Intent to Return: Finally, applicants are required to sign a document expressing their intent to return to their home country once the visa expires. This demonstrates their commitment to complying with the visa regulations.
Dual citizenship E-2 Visa program:
E-2 VISA FOR DUAL CITIZENS OF ISRAEL AND THE UK
A number of our clients hold joint UK and Israeli Nationality. As the UK is the only country in the world whose
citizens are subject to a residency requirement (in the UK) our clients holding both Israeli and UK passports
usually use their Israeli Nationality to apply for their US E2 Visa.
For Israeli Citizens resident in the UK E-2 visa can be obtained from the US consulate in London.
E2 VISA FOR DUAL CITIZENS OF ISRAEL AND RUSSIA
Given the emigration patterns between Russia and Israel there are an estimated 1.5 Million Russian Citizens resident in Israel and an estimated 80,000 Israeli citizens resident in the Moscow area alone.
While Russia is not an E2 country, Russian citizens who can avail themselves of Israel’s generous citizenship program can thereby become eligible for the sought after US E2 visa.
In the absence of a claim to Israeli citizenship, Russian nationals can generally only avail themselves of the US E2 visa program through Grenadian and Turkish citizenship programs.
Other Investor Visa programs for Israeli citizen
EB-5 INVESTOR VISA
Each year there are around 700 EB-5 visas available to people born in Israel. The EB-5 visa offers a US Green Card (permanent residency) by investment. The required investment is $900,000 per family, which includes the primary applicant, as well as any spouse and children under the age of 21. The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise and it must create or sustain ten full-time American jobs. Click here for more details.
L-1 INVESTOR VISA
The L-1 Intracompany Visa
is a popular route to the United States, especially for people in the tech industry.
The L-1A allows a company to transfer an international manager or executive and the L-1B allows it to transfer an
employee with “specialized knowledge”.
It is possible to set up a brand new US office of your Israeli company and then transfer employees there to oversee the
set-up and growth of that new office.
Israeli citizens are initially eligible for L-1 visas up to 48 months, which can then be extended to a maximum of five
years for an L-1B and seven years for an L-1A visa. After this time, the applicant would need to return to Israel or
find an alternative visa for staying in the United States. Read more about the L-1 Visa here.
E2 FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) EVERY ISRAELIS SHOULD KNOW
Yes, as an Israeli Nationals you can apply for an E-2 visa from:
- United States Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel
- Any country where you are lawfully resident
- Certain US consulates who have decided to allow persons not resident in their location to apply for E-2 Visas in their consulate. As this list changes, please contact us for details.
- Maximum initial E-2 validity for an Israeli citizen is 24 months
- After this, an E-2 Visa can be renewed infinitely
To apply for the E-2 Visa in Israel, you should proceed as follows:
- Visit your nearest United States Embassy or Consulate that is accredited to your place of permanent residence. In the case of Israeli nationals, this means applying at a United States Consulate in Israel.
- The U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv is currently accepting E-2 Visa applications from Israeli nationals.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or seeking to renew your visa, you will be required to submit the necessary supporting documents, including individual applications for employees. These documents can be sent via mail for processing.
The duration for obtaining an E-2 visa for Israeli citizens can vary depending on several factors, particularly the investor's circumstances. Here's an overview of the E-2 visa timeline in Israel:
- In the USA: If you are currently present in the United States and meet the eligibility criteria, the average processing time for an E-2 visa application is approximately 5 months. There is also an expedited option known as premium processing, which costs $2,500 and shortens the processing time to just 15 days.
- Outside of the US: For applicants residing outside of the United States, the E-2 visa processing time through the U.S. Consulate can range from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on the specific Consulate and other factors. This timeline applies after you have obtained a passport from a country that has a treaty with the United States.
It's important to note that individual circumstances and the specific Consulate you apply through can affect the processing time. Therefore, applicants should plan accordingly and consider premium processing if expedited processing is required.
The cost of an E-2 Visa for Israeli citizens varies based on certain factors. Once you have obtained a second passport from a country that has a treaty with the United States, the typical minimum investment amount required is over US $150,000, which is approximately 481,000 Israeli New Shekels (ILS).
The specific fees associated with the E-2 Visa application depend on your location:
- Investor Present in the USA: If you are already in the United States, you will need to pay a Form I-129 fee of $460, and a Form I-539 fee of $370 for each dependent. Additionally, there is an option for premium processing at a cost of $2,500. Please note that there may be additional expenses related to lawyer's charges and business entity formation costs.
- Investor in Home-Country: For investors applying from their home country, there is a fee of $205 per DS-160 form. Again, legal and business formation costs may apply.
It's important to be aware that the Bank of Israel serves as the regulatory body overseeing the framework and monetary policy for transferring assets and money outside of Israel.
For an E-2 visa application in Israel, it's crucial for applicants to ensure that the documents listed below are provided in the specified order.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Cover Letter | On company letterhead, outlining business qualifications for E-2 status. |
| 2. Table of Contents | Identifying documents in the binder and their locations. |
| 3. Form DS-156E | Completed, with sections for business profile and staff. |
| 4. Evidence of Ownership Compliance | Compliance with ownership requirements, depending on company type. |
| 5. Proof of Business Nationality | Valid passports of individual owners. |
| 6. Evidence of Investment | Checks and bank transactions between investor and business. |
| 7. Evidence of Business Operation | Documents, including a 5-year business plan, contracts, financial records, etc. |
| 8. Proof of Substantial Investment | Documentation showing the investment is substantial. |
| 9. Proof of Meeting Marginality Requirement | Forms like W-2s and 1099s to show lawful employment. |
| 10. Employee's Visa Application | Documents for the employee's visa application, including DS-160, payment proof, photographs, CV, and more. |
| 11. Dependent's Visa Application | Documents for dependents' visa applications, including DS-160, payment proof, photographs, and proof of relationship. |
ADVANTAGES OF E-2 VISA FOR THE TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES?
According to the OEC 32.1% of Israeli exports go to the United States and the United States, making the United States Israel’s leading export market. The UK comes third at 3.71%
After the diamond industry Israel’s largest exporting industries are biotechnology (6.85%) and Integrated Circuits (4.46%).
The E-2 visa presents an ideal way for Israeli nationals in these sectors to open or expand a business in the United States. Many Israeli-trained physicians have also migrated to the United States.
The US Federal government together with various State and local governments offer special incentives and assistance for technology and biotechnology businesses coming to the United States. Please contact our firm for further information on these incentives.
E-2 BUSINESS MODEL FOR ISRAEL INVESTOR
Israeli Citizens apply for E-2 visas to direct and control businesses in a huge variety of industries in the United States. Some popular options include:
- Integrated Circuits and Digital Technology
- App development
- Pharmaceuticals
- Specialty Restaurants and
Contact us to learn how D&A can help Israelis to start a business in the US.
E2 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
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E2 Visa for Australians nationals -
E2 Visa for British nationals -
E2 Visa for Korean nationals -
E2 Visa for Italian nationals -
E2 Visa for Indian nationals -
E2 Visa for Vietnamese nationals -
E2 Visa for Israelis nationals -
E2 Visa for Egyptian nationals -
E2 Visa for Czechs nationals -
E2 Visa for Chileans nationals -
E2 Visa for Ukrainian nationals -
E2 Visa for Germany nationals -
E2 Visa for Taiwan nationals -
E2 Visa for Filipinos nationals -
E2 Visa for Mexican nationals
Latest case studies
- June 2024 - E2 treaty investor visa application approved for a UK citizen
- July 2024 - E-2 Treaty investor visa application approved for a UK citizen
- July 2024 - E2 Treaty Investor Visa Application Approved for a UK Citizen
- Change of status application from F-1 to E-2 treaty investor
- E-2 for Essential Employee- Singapore
- E-2 treaty investor Visa application approved for a UK national
- E-2 Treaty investor visa approved for a Bangladesh citizen
- E-2 Treaty investor visa for a UK national valid for 5 years
- E-2 Visa application approved for an Australian citizen
- 5-Year E-2 treaty investor visa issued to a filipino citizen
- E-2 Visa in the “essential employee category” approved for singaporean national
- U.S. visas for critical employees of a Singapore-based wealth management company
- 5-year E-2 visa for a romanian investor issued by the U.S. embassy in Bucharest
- Approved: E2 Visa for Owner of Norwegian Skincare Company
- Change of Status E2 Treaty Investor: Pakistan
- Changing status - F-1 to E-2
- D&A Clients Wait Out the EB-5 Queue in the USA Using E-2 Visa
- E-2 Status for Indian Born Purchaser of Retail Business with Australian Passport
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa application approved for a uk citizen
- E-2 Treaty investor Visa application approved for a filipino investor
- E-2 Visa for Design and Decorating Enterprise
- E-2 Visa for a Founder/CEO of a Real Estate Investment Firm
- E-2 Visa: Change of Status approved for a Singaporean national amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
- E-2 Visas for UK nationals valid for 5 years
- E-2 for Footwear / Fashion
- E-2 for Real Estate Development
- E-2 for Real Estate Start-Up Firm
- E-2 for a Recreational Water Sports Company
- E-2 treaty investor visa for a UK national valid for 5 years
- E-2 treaty investor visa renewal for another 4 years for an australian citizen and E-2 derivative visas for his spouse and child
- E2 Study Cases
- E2 Treaty Investor - Rug & Carpet Retail and Wholesale
- E2 Treaty Investor Visa for Aviation Industry
- E2 treaty investor visa for an italian national
- E2 visa for Commercial Lighting Fixtures
- Grenada CBI Coupled with a USA E-2 Visa
- Keeping a Family together through the E-2 Visa: Client Case Study
- Message from a satisfied E-2 client
- Renewal of E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for an Australian National
- भारत में जन्मे ऑस्ट्रेलियाई के लिए कैलिफोर्निया में स्टोर खोलने के लिए E-2 वीजा
- August 14th, 2024. E-2 treaty investor visa approved for a UK national
- August 15th, 2024. E-2 visa application approved for a UK national
- August 2024. E-2 Visa Approved for Yet Another Employee of a Wealth Management Company
- August 2024. Renewal application for E-2 Visa approved for a Canadian Citizen
- August 2024. US Consulate issues immigrant visas to indian EB-5 investor and family
- E-2 Visa for Leading Fashion Designer
- E-2 Visa validity based on reciprocity schedule
- E-2 Visas issued by the us embassy in London to the principal applicant and to his spouse and child
- E-2 treaty investor visa for an Italian citizen issued by the U.S. Embassy in Singapore
- E-2 visa for a UK citizen and E-2 derivative visas for his wife and son
- Five (5) E-2 visas issued by the U.S. Embassy in Manila
- UK national: E-2 Treaty Investor Visa application approved
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Fax: +1 949 396-1371
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Looking to acquire an E2 Visa?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
E2 Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa applicaton?
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