After years of fits and starts, Israeli media is now widely reporting that the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee has approved its long-anticipated reciprocal immigration regulations, which was ostensibly the final legal roadblock in allowing American and Israeli Investors opportunity to apply for each other’s investment visas. The news was published in major national media including Globes and The Marker.
As we explained previously, the Israeli E-2 visa rises from June 2012 legislation signed by then-President Obama which implemented a bilateral investment treaty with Israel. The terms of the implementation required the Israeli government to provide reciprocal immigration status for American investors seeking immigration status in Israel. The Knesset did not approve the reciprocal agreement until August 2014, paving the way for Americans to acquire the Israeli B-5 visa. Despite optimism that the visas would be available to both countries’ investors in early 2017, delays have plagued the rollout process.
Nevertheless, this month’s positive developments reflect major administrative progress and we are cautiously optimistic that the E-2 nonimmigrant investor visa will soon become available to Israeli nationals. Favored around the world, many technology companies, multinational businesses, and start-ups have leveraged the E-2 to bring talent to the U.S.
We are delighted to offer prospective Israeli E-2 investors and companies a complementary consultation regarding this new opportunity. Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with an experienced member of our team.
