The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill that would add Israel to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for E-2 (Treaty Investor) visa status. The bill unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 19 and now heads to U.S. President Barack Obama for his signature. Once signed into law by Obama, as expected, the bill will put Israel on a list with more than 79 other countries whose citizens are eligible for the visas.

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant (temporary) work visa that is available to nationals of countries with which the United States has a treaty. To qualify, the applicant must come to the U.S. to develop and direct the operations of a business in which he or she has invested, or is in the process of investing. The visas allow the investors and business leaders to reside in the United States to oversee their U.S. operations.

The Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC welcomed the passage of this bill by the Senate, stating that it “further enables Israeli nationals to make large investments in the U.S. economy, creating many additional jobs for Americans.”

“We applaud the passage of legislation that would allow Israelis to invest more in America,” Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren said. “This bill reflects the deep friendship between Israel and the United States and will stimulate mutual economic growth and increase investment opportunities.”