Jordanian citizens seeking U.S. visas navigate a straightforward but thorough application process. Jordan is not a Visa Waiver Program member, so all Jordanian nationals require a visa to enter the United States regardless of trip duration or purpose. However, Jordan has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States that makes the E-2 Treaty Investor visa available to Jordanian citizens — a significant advantage not shared by many Middle Eastern countries. The U.S. Embassy in Amman handles all visa applications for Jordan.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for Jordanians
The B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa covers tourism (B-2) and business visits (B-1). Jordanian applicants submit the DS-160 online application, pay the $185 MRV fee, and attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Amman. Appointment wait times typically range from 20-80 days. Approved B-1/B-2 visas for Jordanian citizens are usually valid for 5-10 years with multiple entries, each allowing up to 6 months in the U.S.
The key to a successful B-2 application is demonstrating strong ties to Jordan — employment, family, property ownership, or business operations — that make it clear the applicant will return after their U.S. visit. Jordan has relatively moderate B-2 refusal rates compared to other Middle Eastern countries, reflecting the strong diplomatic relationship between the two governments. Applicants should prepare: employer verification or business registration documents, 3-6 months of bank statements, a clear itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Jordan’s Strategic Advantage
Jordan has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States (the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and bilateral investment framework), making Jordanian citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. This is a major benefit for Jordanian entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors. The E-2 allows a Jordanian national to invest a “substantial amount” in a U.S. business they will develop and direct, live in the United States, and renew their status indefinitely every 5 years.
Typical E-2 investments from Jordanian nationals range from $80,000 to $500,000+, across businesses like restaurants, retail, technology startups, medical practices, and consulting firms. The investment must be “at risk” — actually committed to the business, not refundable — and the business must not be “marginal” (it must generate significantly more than just a minimal living for the investor). E-2 spouses receive unrestricted U.S. work authorization. Children under 21 attend U.S. schools as E-2 dependents.
H-1B and Work Visas for Jordanian Professionals
Jordanian professionals in specialty occupations can be sponsored for H-1B visas by U.S. employers. Jordan produces graduates in engineering, medicine, computer science, and finance who are competitive in the U.S. labor market. The H-1B lottery applies equally to all nationalities — registration in March, random selection, and USCIS adjudication. Jordanian professionals already in the U.S. on F-1/OPT or other valid status may change to H-1B without leaving the country.
DV Lottery Eligibility for Jordanians
Jordanian citizens are generally eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Jordan’s immigration numbers have typically not exceeded the annual threshold that would disqualify it, though eligibility can change year to year based on immigration statistics. DV winners receive one of 55,000 immigrant visas issued annually to underrepresented countries. Registration is free and opens in October through the State Department’s online system. Jordanian DV winners proceed through consular processing in Amman with standard medical exam and background check requirements.
Green Card for Jordanian Nationals
Jordanian nationals do not face employment-based green card backlogs.
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 priority dates are current for Jordanians — no multi-year Visa Bulletin wait. A Jordanian engineer sponsored for EB-2 by a U.S. employer can typically obtain a green card within 2-4 years from petition filing to approval, driven by USCIS processing rather than visa quota waits. Family-based immigration follows standard timelines: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens face 12-24 month waits.
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is available to Jordanian nationals who can demonstrate their work has substantial merit and national importance, and that waiving the labor certification requirement is in the national interest. Jordanian medical professionals serving underserved U.S. communities, researchers, and scientists are competitive NIW candidates.
Related U.S. Immigration Guides
Use these guides to navigate the full U.S. immigration process — from your first visa to a green card and citizenship:
- How to Get a U.S. Green Card: All Pathways Explained
- Consular Processing: NVC Steps and Immigrant Visa Interview
- Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: Sponsor Income Requirements
- Visa Bulletin & Priority Dates: How to Check Your Wait
- Marriage-Based Green Card: Complete 2025 Guide
- Work Permit (EAD): Form I-765 Complete Guide
- B-1/B-2 Tourist & Business Visa: Requirements and Interview Tips
