Impact – Medium
What is the change? Israel has announced amendments to its high-tech visa program, which began in February.
What does the change mean? All applicants for a Hi-tech (HIT) visa must apply for a visa through the Israeli Consulate when applying for a Hi-tech visa. Additionally, the usual 45-day short employment approval (SEA) visa period has been extended to a maximum of 90 days per year for hit applicants. Applicants for the High-Tech Sea (90-day) Visa Festival will be exempt from visa processing at the consulate before entering Israel.
Implementation time frame: Immediate and continuous. Visas/Authorized: Hit visas and maritime visas for high-tech employees. Affected: Visa-Waived Nationals, who works for a qualified high-tech company that requires them to work in Israel for at least three months. Impact on Processing Time: Consular Processing for Hit Visa takes approximately 30-45 days, while 90 days of SEA visa processing takes approximately 6 days for citizens who are exempt from the visa. Business Impact: Israeli companies sponsoring Hit Visa tech workers should consider additional consul visa processing times when planning their business schedules and starting dates.
Background: Israel introduced high-tech visas in February to attract foreign technology talent. Authorities have since revealed eligibility criteria for high-tech employers.
BAL analysis: In addition to planning longer processing times at consulates, high-tech foreign employees should plan additional document collection times as the consulate may require medical records and police clearance.
This alert is provided by the BAL Global Practice Group and our network providers in Israel. For more information, please contact Bal Attorney.
Copyright©2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Reprinting or digitally redistribution to the public is permitted only by express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
