Moving from Israel to USA

The Israel-to-USA corridor serves professionals, tech workers, entrepreneurs, families, and students. Popular destinations include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Boston. The US offers diverse career opportunities but requires careful visa planning and tax coordination given both countries' complex tax systems.

• H-1B visa for specialty occupations — employer-sponsored, subject to annual cap and lottery
• L-1 visa for intra-company transfers from Israeli offices to US branches
• E-2 Treaty Investor visa available for Israeli citizens (bilateral treaty)
• O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, or technology
• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program for permanent residency through qualified investment
• Student visas (F-1) with optional practical training (OPT) pathways

• Open a US bank account upon arrival — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank
• ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or SSN needed for banking
• Build US credit history with a secured credit card — Israeli credit history does not transfer
• Maintain Israeli bank accounts as needed — report to IRS if balances exceed $10,000 (FBAR)
• Wire transfers via SWIFT or Wise for fund transfers

• The US taxes residents on worldwide income — federal + state taxes apply
• US-Israel Tax Treaty prevents double taxation on most income types
• Israeli citizens living in the US may still have Israeli tax obligations for the first year
• Toshav Chozer (returning resident) benefits are preserved if you return to Israel within a qualifying period
• Consult a US-Israel cross-border tax advisor before the move

• Public schools are free and assigned by district — research school ratings before choosing a neighborhood
• Private and Jewish day schools available in major metro areas
• ESL (English as a Second Language) programs available in public schools
• University applications through Common App or individual school portals
• Israeli military service is valued by some US universities and employers

• Popular for Israeli expats: NYC (Brooklyn, Manhattan), Los Angeles (Valley, Beverly Hills), Miami (Aventura, Sunny Isles)
• Rental applications require SSN or ITIN, proof of income, and references
• Expect first month, last month, and security deposit
• Property purchase possible — some states have no state income tax (Florida, Texas)
• Budget $2,000–$4,500/month for a 2-bedroom in major metro areas

• Health insurance is essential — no universal healthcare in the US
• Employer-provided insurance is the most common — review coverage carefully
• ACA marketplace plans available during open enrollment or qualifying life events
• Israeli Bituach Leumi coverage ends when you leave Israel
• Prescription medications may be significantly more expensive in the US

• Valid Israeli passport
• US visa documentation and employer letters
• Israeli police clearance certificate (Teudat Yosher)
• Educational diplomas with apostille
• Marriage and birth certificates (apostilled)
• Israeli military service records (if applicable)
• Detailed household inventory for US customs

• Used personal effects can generally be imported duty-free if owned for at least one year
• CBP Form 3299 (Declaration of Free Entry) required for household goods
• New items and gifts may be subject to duty
• Restricted items: certain foods, plants, medications (FDA regulated)
• Ocean transit from Israel to East Coast USA: 3–5 weeks; West Coast: 5–7 weeks
• FCL for full households; LCL/groupage for smaller shipments
• Air freight for urgent items: 3–7 days