Visa Categories – Visa to the U.S. and Israel generally fall into two categories – Temporary Visitor Visas and Resident Visas eventually paving the way to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

There are many types of visas to the United States which gives the illusion to many that anyone who wants to close up shop and move to the United States can do so. Many believe that because they are professionals or have a lot of money to invest they can immediately get a Work or Residence Visa in the U.S. In fact, there are many types of visas that will enable a person to live and work in the United States, but each category has its own set of criteria which needs to be met before a visa can be approved. Investment in the United States must show that the funds have been put at risk and that the Investment will benefit the U.S. market and not just the investor. If the Investment is dormant and if no employees are required, generally it will not meet a standard that will qualify the investor for a visa. Also, professionals wishing to live and work in the U.S. are not eligible, in many cases, where it is likely that they will take jobs away from U.S. Citizens or Residents who are equally qualified. One should also do their homework before Petitioning the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or before Applying for a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Although each Petition or Application should be reviewed upon its own merits – neither case exists in a vacuum and each will be reviewed within a total context of the Applicant’s past, present, and likely future circumstances, including in the light of intent based on previous petitions or visa applications. It is important to discuss the standards and the chances for obtaining an Approval before each Petition or Visa Application.

All of the above, with subtle differences, holds true for visa and immigration applications made to the Israeli Ministry of Interior or at Israeli Consulates abroad.

Applying for a particular visitor or resident status from inside the country one is currently visiting will always seem and possibly be more expedient. It certainly will enable the petitioner or applicant to complete his or her case while residing in the country of choice. However, it is important to bear in mind that if for any reason it is necessary to leave the country, after making application and before receiving an approval, it is highly unlikely that the Applicant/Petitioner will be permitted to reenter the object country until the process is completed – if at all.

Immigrant Visas (Green Card) to the U.S.

Immigrant Visas to the United States are divided in to two main categories each with its own set of subcategories according to Statute.

Family Based Immigration (Green Card) on the basis of immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens (USC/s) and/or Legal Permanent Residents (LPR/s):

Mother of Father of USC
Husband or Wife of USC to LPR
Children of USCs or LPRs under the age of 21 (including adopted children and stepchildren in some cases)
Unmarried Children of USCs or LPRs over the age of 21
Married Children of USCs
Siblings of USCs

While the Parents, Spouses and Children under 21 of USCs (only) are not subject to annual numerical limits, all other immediate relatives of USCs or LPRs are subject to numerical limits and all of the categories subject to numerical limits are oversubscribed. Oversubscribed categories cause (very) long waiting periods before an Immigrant Visa can be issued.

For further information regarding Family Unity and Family Based Immigration visit page Family Visas to the USA

Employment Based Immigration

Preferred Workers and in Particular Persons of Extraordinary Ability in the Arts, Sciences, and more – including Professors and Multinational Executives
Workers with Advanced Degrees
Professionals and Necessary Employees in Short Supply
Specialized Workers and Religious Workers
Entrepeneurs/Investors

See additional pages on this site for more information on Employment Based Immigration Categories

Temporary Work Visas to the U.S.

Intra Company Transferees between Parent/Subsidiary/Affiliates and Branches of a Company in the U.S. and Abroad
Visa for Investors based on an Investor Treaty between the U.S. and an E2 Investment Country
Visa for Traders (Importers/Exporters) based on a Trader Treaty between the U.S. and E1 Investment Country (including Israel)
Visas for Actors, Musicians, and Artists of Exceptional Ability
Visas for Religious Workers

For more information on Temporary Investment or Import/Export Visas see Temporary Business & Work Visas

Temporary Visitor Visas

Visas for Travel purposes
Visas for Study purposes
Visas for Business purposes
Visas for Journalists
Visas for Diplomats
Etc.