Israel Work Visa – B1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Application And Requirment

Israel often referred to as the ‘Start-up Nation’, is at the very forefront of global technological innovation and development. ‘Silicon Wadi’, Israel’s very own version of America’s Silicon Valley, is a true testament to the explosive growth of tech firms in the country. For this reason, businesses in Israel are keen to attract highly skilled tech workers from around the world to fill a wide variety of roles. If you are a technology expert planning to work in Israel, one of your first tasks will be to secure the necessary immigration permission before you do so. On this page, we will explain the purpose of the Israel B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) work visa, the eligibility criteria, and the application process

What Is The B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa For Israel?

The Hi-Tech Visa (HIT) stream of the B/1 work visa category is for foreign nationals of visa-waiver countries with the specialist skills needed to work in Israel’s ‘Hi-Tech’ sector. Because of the importance attached to the skills required in this sector and the contribution, this makes to the Israeli economy, applications under the HIT scheme are fast-tracked.

Who Is Eligible For The B/1 Hi-Tech Visa (HIT) Work Visa For Israel?

In order to be granted a B/1 Hi-Tech Work Visa, applicants must:

Be offered a job with an eligible ‘Hi-Tech’ or cyber business in Israel (as determined by the Israel Innovation Authority)
Have the skills, qualifications, and/or skills needed to perform the role they have been offered
Be offered a job with a salary with at least double the average salary in Israel
Have complied with the laws and immigration policies of Israel during any previous stays

Unfortunately, the B/1 HIT visa scheme is not available to nationals of countries that require a visa to enter Israel. The scheme is now only open to nationals of the ~100 countries that are exempt from requiring a visa, including states within the European Union (EU), United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (see below for the full list of visa-exempt countries).

If you are unsure if you are eligible for a Hi-Tech Visa (HIT) work visa for Israel or whether this is the best immigration route for your needs, speak to an immigration lawyer who will be able to advise you based on your individual needs and future plans.

How Do I Apply For A B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa For Israel?

The application process for a B/1 Hi-Tech work visa differs from that of the standard B/1 work visa. Not only will your application be fast-tracked, but you also will not need a B/1 visa to enter Israel.

Applying For A HIT Work Permit

The first stage in the HIT application process involves the submission of a work permit application by your employer in Israel. This application must be submitted to the Work Permit Unit. They will need to provide evidence that they are accredited as a hi-tech business by the Israel Innovation Authority, that the job being offered is genuine, and that you have the skills needed for the work required. As the application will be fast-tracked, you can expect a decision within 6 – 7 days.

Applying For A HIT Work Visa

If the HIT permit approval is granted, you can travel to Israel as soon as you are ready to do so (it is essential that you do not travel to Israel until you have been granted HIT permit approval). You will be given a B/2 visitor visa on arrival in Israel, after which you have two days to apply for your HIT work visa. It is also possible to request a multiple entry visa to allow you to leave and return during your time in Israel. The application form can be found online on the Israel government website. To apply for your HIT visa, you will need to provide several documents, including:

A completed application for a B/1 visa
Proof of payment of your application fees
Your current valid passport (valid for at least six months after your intended departure date from Israel)
Your employment contract with your Israeli employer
Any previous expired or cancelled passports
A police certificate as evidence of your good conduct
Your birth certificate
Certification of medical examinations performed in clinics or hospitals recognised by the mission (the certification must show normal results in tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and AIDS) and the results of blood tests.
A declaration of the taking of a fingerprint and a photograph.
Two passport pictures (5x5 cm)
Proof of your intention to return home once you have completed your employment (i.e. a return flight ticket).

If granted, your B/1 HIT visa will be placed into your passport.

Is It Possible To Extend A B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa In Israel?

Yes, the initial permit will be granted for 12 months, but this can be extended for up to five years and three months.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For A B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa In Israel?

As of 2021, the B/1 work visa application fee is equivalent to EUR44.00 or US$54.00.

How Long Does It Take To Process A B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa?

In most cases, if a well-prepared application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior in Israel for a B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) work visa, it is possible to gain approval within 6 – 10 working days.

Can Family Members Join The Principal B/1 Hi-Tech (HIT) Work Visa Holder In Israel?

Under the HIT work visa scheme, the spouse of the main applicants can join the principal visa holder as long as the period of work will be more than 90 days.

The employer can submit a request for an Employment Authorisation for Spouse (EAS B-1 work visa for Spouse) to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel, which will last for the same duration as the B/1 work visa held by the principal applicant. With a B/1 work visa, the spouse will be able to work in Israel without being subject to limitations on employers and pay.