E-2 Visa for Israeli Investors
Israel joined the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa program in 2019, making it a relatively new entrant. Israeli investors — particularly in the technology and startup sectors — are among the most active E-2 applicants from the Middle East. Israeli nationals receive a 2-year visa stamp, shorter than the 5-year stamps available to nationals of Germany, Japan, or the UK, but fully functional for running a U.S. business with standard 2-year admission periods per entry. Watson Immigration Law advises Israeli investors on structuring successful E-2 applications.
Get Started Today2019
Treaty year
2 years
Visa validity
480
FY2025 visas issued
Primary processing consulate
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Treaty Status — Added 2019
Israel was added to the E-2 treaty program in 2019 following years of advocacy from the Israeli business community. The treaty opened a new avenue for Israeli entrepreneurs to establish U.S. businesses — particularly in the technology sector where Israeli startups have long had strong ties to U.S. venture capital and accelerator ecosystems.
Visa Validity for Israeli Nationals
Israeli nationals currently receive a 2-year E-2 visa stamp — shorter than the 5-year stamps available to nationals of Germany, Japan, or the UK, but consistent with the standard 2-year U.S. admission period per entry. Each time an Israeli E-2 holder enters the U.S., they are admitted for 2 years. The visa stamp can be renewed at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem when it expires.
Israeli Tech Investors & Silicon Valley / Seattle
Israeli E-2 investors are disproportionately active in the technology sector, particularly in software, cybersecurity, AI, and deep tech — areas where Israel's startup ecosystem has a global reputation. San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Austin are the primary destination markets for Israeli E-2 investors. The Israeli-American tech community is well-established in all of these cities.
Consulate Processing
Israeli nationals apply for E-2 at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The Embassy processes E-2 applications through the standard consular interview and adjudication process. Processing times after interview are typically 4–8 weeks. Working with an experienced immigration attorney to prepare a thorough application package is strongly recommended.
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