Background
Earlier this year, we reported on the progress that had been made with regard to the Israeli E-2 visa. As readers will recall, President Obama signed legislation implementing a Bilateral Investment Treaty with Israel in June 2012. Under the terms of the Treaty, the Israeli Government was required to introduce a reciprocal visa for U.S investors, wishing to invest in Israel.
In recent years, there have been extensive negotiations between the U.S and Israeli Governments, concerning the issue of reciprocity between the U.S E-2 Treaty Investor visa and its proposed Israeli counterpart, which has delayed the introduction of the E-2 visa to Israeli nationals. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State indicated that it believed E-2 visas would be available to Israeli nationals by the fourth quarter of 2017.
The Latest Development
Unfortunately, it appears unlikely the E-2 visa will be available to Israeli nationals by the fourth quarter of 2017, as originally projected by the U.S Department of State.
The Israeli Government has presented draft regulations creating a new investor visa category, reciprocal to the E-2 visa, for U.S investors wishing to invest in Israel. However, it is reported that the U.S Department of State was not satisfied that the proposed Israeli investor visa offered reciprocity, on a par with the E-2 visa. It is anticipated that the Israeli Government will re-draft the relevant regulations and submit new proposals to the U.S Department of State, in due course. Unfortunately, the E-2 visa will not become available in Israeli until an agreement is reached on reciprocity.
Alternative Routes to U.S Investment for Israeli Nationals
While the current lack of availability of E-2 visas to Israeli nationals is disappointing, it is noteworthy that Israeli nationals have been able to surmount the issue, in some circumstances.
For example, Israeli nationals who hold dual nationality with another country with a Bilateral Treaty of Commerce with the U.S may wish to seek advice on their ability to obtain an E-2 visa through their second nationality. Similarly, Israeli nationals may wish to explore the possibility of applying for an E-1 Treaty Trader visa. If you are affected by the delay in implementing the Israeli E-2 visa, please give us a call to discuss your U.S immigration options.
Davies Legal
At Davies Legal, we pride ourselves on offering a “one stop shop” for all of your U.S business immigration needs. Our team, comprised of Attorneys, a Master of Business Administration and a Certified Public Accountant, have acted for a variety of E-2 investors, including, inter alia, entrepreneurs, SMEs and large corporations. We provide a diligent, efficient service at a competitive fixed fee and undertake to keep you informed. Call now for a complimentary assessment with one of our licensed U.S immigration attorneys and take the first step towards achieving your “American Dream”.
