Recently, the US and Israeli heads of state held various discussions over the first quarter of 2019, and it is estimated that by May 1, 2019, the US government will authorize the applications by Israeli citizens under the E-2 investor visa category.
The American E-2 Investor Visa
The E-2 Investor visa permits a citizen of a treaty country to apply for an E-2 visa and enter the US. The E-2 allows non-US citizens to work and live in the US by investing (US$100,000+) in an American company which must also generate employment for local Americans. The investor (and dependent family members who are eligible) can stay in the US for a period of two years. This is then renewed—subject to approval—for additional two-year periods indefinitely, as long as the business remains operational and meets visa requirements.
The E-2 Investor visa is not a direct path to a green card or permanent residency, but it remains a popular route for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking access to the US market and lifestyle. The flexibility of this visa allows the principal investor to manage and direct the enterprise while family members can also benefit, with spouses eligible for work authorization and children allowed to attend school.
Read more: Are you eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa?
Israeli Eligibility for the E-2
The US Embassy in Tel Aviv is set to process these applications should the approval go through in May. They already process investor visa applications for Israelis that hold dual citizenship. The E-2 Investor Visa will make it easier for budding Israeli companies, predominantly in the Tech sector, to access the US market. Similarly, the US will be able to draw in some of the most coveted tech talent in the world from the ‘Mediterranean Silicon Valley’ of Tel Aviv.
This development marks a significant step forward in US-Israel business relations and comes at a time when Israeli start-ups are seeing increasing interest from venture capitalists and multinational corporations alike. With smoother visa access under the E-2 programme, Israeli founders can more easily establish operations in key American innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston—allowing them to scale faster and tap into a larger consumer base. The flow of talent, ideas, and capital between the two countries is likely to deepen, spurring cross-border partnerships and driving tech growth in both ecosystems.
Read more: With Biden, what lies ahead in the American Immigration landscape?
