Navigating Israel's B1 work visa process can be intricate, especially for non-Jewish foreigners seeking employment. This guide breaks down the requirements, application steps, and specific considerations for different professions, from high-tech employees to journalists and researchers. Whether you're a specialist with unique skills or looking to fill a gap in the job market, this resource will help you understand the necessary procedures for securing a B1 work visa and pursuing your career in Israel.
The B1 visa in Israel
Non-Jewish foreigners who desire to work in Israel and do not qualify under the Law of Return as Jews should apply for a B1 work visa, which remains valid for 30 days. Following this initial duration, they must also acquire a work permit. These two processes can be completed simultaneously.
Requirements for a B1 visa in Israel
The Ministry of the Interior grants the B1 work visa to artists, athletes, researchers, and specialists with unique skills not readily available within the country. This visa is also extended to workers who could fill positions in fields where Israel lacks professionals, such as caregiving for the elderly or disabled and roles in construction or agriculture.
For qualified personnel in Israel
Applicants must apply to the Israeli consulate in their country of origin. A tourist visa cannot be converted on the spot (in Israel) into a work visa.
List of documents to be included in the B1 visa application file:
- A signed employment contract with a company in Israel;
- Valid passport;
- A copy of the applicant's criminal record, less than one year old;
- Fingerprints;
- A medical certificate attesting that he/she is not suffering from any illness that could present a danger to the population of the country;
- Completed application form.
Finally, the applicant needs to have an interview with Israeli consular officials in their home country. Simultaneously, the prospective employer must file an application with the Ministry of the Interior on behalf of their future employee. The employer can apply for both a B1 visa (enabling entry and work for a month) and a work permit (which extends work authorization) for the employee concurrently. This application must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labor.
Securing an Israeli work permit involves a two-step procedure. Firstly, the employer applies to the Israeli Ministry of the Interior. Simultaneously, the employee provides the required documentation to the Israeli consulate in their country of residence.
Obtaining a work permit typically takes around four to eight weeks. Most work permits are issued for one year and necessitate renewal for each subsequent year. Yet, if the employment contract spans a fixed period surpassing one year, the applicant might be eligible for a visa that matches the contract's length, with a cap at 5 years and 3 months.
The application fee for a B1 visa is approximately 1,200 shekels (equivalent to 300 euros), payable to the Ministry of the Interior by the prospective employer. Furthermore, the foreign employee's salary must be at least twice the average wage in Israel. Within two working days of arriving in Israel, the foreign worker must validate their visa with the Ministry of the Interior; otherwise, the visa will be invalidated, necessitating a fresh start in the process.
High-tech employees in Israel
High-tech professionals must have the company they are entering into a contract with recognized as a high-tech company by the relevant authority, namely the Office of Innovation. Just like everyone else, they will go through the process of obtaining a B1 visa initially, followed by acquiring a work permit.
Journalists in Israel
Foreign journalists who intend to work in Israel should initially enter the country using a B2 tourist visa. Following their arrival, they can proceed to request a B1 visa specifically for journalistic activities from the Ministry of the Interior. The maximum time required to secure this visa is ten working days. The subsequent phase involves applying for a temporary press card through the Israeli Government Press Office. All in all, this entire procedure usually takes around two to three weeks.
Scientists and researchers in Israel
Before scientists and researchers can proceed with their work visa applications, the university or institute aiming to employ them must provide justification to the Ministry of the Interior, explaining the necessity of hiring these foreign researchers or professors.
Subsequently, the applicant must apply for a B1 visa through the Israeli consulate in their home country. This step is crucial for the Ministry of the Interior's processing of the application. Following this, the scientist will be granted a temporary work visa.
After arriving in Israel, the scientist will be issued a permanent visa for the entire contract duration, either upon entry at Ben Gurion Airport or from the Ministry of the Interior's local offices. The entirety of this process generally takes approximately ten days.
For unqualified personnel in Israel
In specific sectors like elderly care, it's feasible to acquire a five-year visa. The employer is also responsible for ensuring accommodation for the employee within Israel. Additionally, the employer must initiate the required procedures to secure residence and work permits.
These employees are typically recruited by Israeli companies specializing in the relevant field. They must have a clean criminal record and no history of being barred from entering Israel or seeking asylum there. These companies then take on the responsibility of obtaining entry, residence, and work permits for these foreign workers.
It's important to note that spouses of B1 visa holders are granted permission to work for a maximum of 90 days per year. If they intend to work beyond this period, they, too, will need to apply for a work permit.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
