On this page, we will explain who is the Israel B1 work visa is for, the eligibility criteria, and the application process. For expert assistance with your immigration matter, contact Reiss Edwards, immigration lawyers and solicitors in London.
Israel is now a global hub for innovative technology, attracting some of the most skilled and experienced workers from around the world. If you are a highly skilled individual contemplating your employment options for Israel, you will need to consider how to gain the immigration permission you will need to enter and work. One option to consider is the B/1 work visa for Israel. On this page, we will explain who is the Israel B/1 work visa is for, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.
The Israeli B/1 Work Visa provides permission for foreign nationals to work in Israel for a temporary period.
The scheme is open to specialists and artists in their respective fields, and applications can only be approved by the Ministry of the Interior.
The B/1 Work Visa route has several categories, including:
In order to gain a B/1 work visa for Israel, you will first need an offer of a job for a skilled role in the country and a work permit (your work permit will be requested by your Israeli employer on your behalf). This application is submitted to the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labour. If approved both at a local and national level, your employer will then receive a written confirmation.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labour will want to ensure that the role being offered is genuine and that you have the skills necessary to perform it. When applying for your visa, the Ministry of the Interior will want to be assured that you do not represent a national security threat and that you meet the health requirements.
Once you have a job offer, your employer will first apply for a work permit on your behalf. This is sent to the local Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour and includes the purpose of the work you will be undertaking, why foreign expertise is needed, the skills you have to meet the needs of the employer, your start and end date, working hours, and salary. Only if the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour are happy that the employment meets their strict rules and requirements will they grant a work permit to enable you to work in Israel. The local office will then request final sign off and approval from the national Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor office in Jerusalem. Once approved, the employer and Ministry of the Interior are informed of the outcome. Your Israeli employer will then advise you of the decision. If successful, you will then need to apply for an Israeli entry visa.
Your local Israeli mission will be able to provide you with the application forms to apply for a B/1 visa. The application form can also be found online on the Israel government website. They will also arrange an interview with you and collect your documents; these may include:
Your local mission will advise you exactly which documents you need. If they require any further details following your application, they will let you know.
Once your application and documents are submitted to your local mission, a decision will then be made on your matter. If approved, you will then have a visa placed into your passport, and you will be able to travel to Israel to start your employment.
It is essential that you understand the conditions and terms which are attached to your B/1 work visa and that you adhere to these. This includes entering Israel within the period of time shown on the B/1 visa.
As of 2021, the B/1 work visa application fee is equivalent to EUR44.00 or US$54.00.
In most cases, applications for B/1 work visas are processed within three to four months. Applications under the High-Tech route may be fast-tracked within ten working days.
Yes, it is possible to extend a B/1 work visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states, “A person who receives such a visa may apply to one of the population administration offices of the Ministry of the Interior to extend the visa”.
To extend a B/1 visa, a work permit extension application must be submitted to the local Work Permit Unit no less than 60 days before the expiry of the visa. If approved, the work visa can then be extended.
