Back in 2011, President Barack Obama signed a bill that added Israel to the list of countries potentially eligible for E-2 treaty investor visas. In recent months, some additional legal hurdles have been cleared, making it possible for Israeli citizens to actually apply for this type of visa.
Indeed, the U.S. Embassy in Israel reports that, as of May 1st, 2019, Israeli citizens can begin submitting applications for E-2 treaty investor visas. Here, our E visa attorney provides an overview of how this type of visa works.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visas: What You Need to Know
Who is Eligible for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
Fundamentally, E-2 visas are meant for investors who hold substantial investments within the United States. These visas have strict eligibility requirements, including:
- Be a citizen of a country with which the U.S. has an active E-2 visa treaty;
- Invest a sufficient amount of capital within a qualified company or organization in the United States; and
- Enter the U.S. for the purposes of further developing or directing the qualifying investment.
The U.S. Department of State has published a full list of E visa eligible countries. As was mentioned, as of May 1st, 2019, Israeli citizens, who can already apply for E-1 visas, will become eligible to apply for E-2 visas.
What are the Benefits of an E-2 Investor Visa?
E-2 treaty visas offer a number of different benefits to the individuals who hold them. Among other things, a person who holds an E-2 treaty investor visa has the ability to:
- Work legally in the American company that they invested in;
- Travel in and out of the United States without restrictions; and
- Be accompanied in their U.S. travel by a spouse and children who are under the age of 21.
It should be noted that an E-2 investor visa is generally valid for a period of two years. Though, as long as an applicant is able to maintain their eligibility, this type of investment visa can be renewed on an ongoing basis.
How Do You Apply for an E-2 Visa?
To apply for an E-2 visa, you should consult with a qualified immigration lawyer. Applying for this type of visa can be a complicated and challenging process. It is essential that investors submit a well-supported application to U.S. immigration officials. You must meet nationality requirements in order to obtain this type of visa. Beyond simply proving that one is a citizen of an eligible country — which Israel is set to become — an investor must also prove that their investment is sufficient to meet U.S. immigration rules.
Get Help From an E Visa Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA
At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our immigration attorneys have the skills and experience needed to handle the full range of E visa cases. To get immigration law help, please contact us today. With an office in Los Angeles, we represent clients throughout the region, including in Inglewood, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and West Covina.
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