Immigrants to the US from Israel most often need an employment-based visa – like the H-1B visa (often for tech jobs), L-1 visa , E-2 visa , O-1 visa (for extraordinary talent) – or help applying for the visa waiver program (ESTA). Whatever your situation, if you need help immigrating to Massachusetts from Israel, contact me, Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. I help clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. I work with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact me today to discuss your case, or read on to find out more about achiveing the immigration status you need.
Why come to the US from Israel?
No matter the reason you decided to move from Israel to Massachusetts, be it to escape conflict, for economic reasons, or just for a change of scenery, you’ll probably feel right at home here. As of 2022, there were nearly 9,000 foreign-born Israelis living in Massachusetts. About 4.3% of the population of Massachusetts identify as Jewish, making it the state with the fourth highest percentage of Jewish residents in the U.S., just behind New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Some cities and towns in Massachusetts with significant Jewish populations include Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Saugus, and Swampscott.
Employment and Education
Massachusetts is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, as well as dozens of other excellent colleges. The Boston metropolitan area alone has over 40 colleges. No matter what your intended course of study is, Massachusetts has great options for you. Another great thing about the higher education system in Massachusetts is our community colleges. This year, community college is now available free of cost for Massachusetts residents who do not already have a bachelor’s degree.
Massachusetts, and especially Boston, is known for its bustling science-related industries.
Some of the top industries in Massachusetts include biotechnology, healthcare, education, and financial services. As of August 2024, Massachusetts’ unemployment rate has been 3.7%, which is lower than the national average of 4.1%. Massachusetts also has services which connect refugees and immigrants to resources which will assist them in the process of getting a job here.
Community Resources
Massachusetts has several Jewish faith-based community organizations which can help you stay connected, and provide you with resources you need. One of these organizations is the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, which provides a wide variety of services such as educational early childhood and youth programs, and hosts community events. Another organization is the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Boston, which provides disability services, services for the elderly, mental health support, and access to necessities for those struggling financially.
Boston is home to several Jewish religious centers, including but not limited to Temple Ohabei Shalom, the Ahavath Torah Congregation, the American Jewish Committee, and Beth Abraham Synagogue. Outside of Boston, several other Massachusetts towns and cities also have significant Jewish communities. Communities like Natick, Framingham, Lynn, Salem, Swampscott, Saugus, and Newton all have sizable Jewish populations.
Processing Times in Boston
The type of status you apply for depends primarily on whether or not you plan to reside in Massachusetts indefinitely. Since October 2023, Israeli citizens fleeing the country due to the ongoing conflict can apply to travel to the U.S. without a visa through the Department of Homeland Security’s ESTA system. This system allows Israeli citizens and nationals to remain in the U.S. for 90 days.
If you intend to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, applying for a visa the traditional way may be in your best interest. Visa processing times in Massachusetts vary widely, with some being approved in less than one year, and others taking up to two years to process. If you are unsure what the best pathway for you is, a great first step is reaching out to my office. We can help you determine what the best option for you is based on your situation and goals for U.S. residence.