By Yoav Noy, Partner |
Israel’s growing economy—driven by innovation, infrastructure expansion, and international collaboration—continues to attract global talent. Yet for many companies and foreign professionals, obtaining the right work authorization under Israel’s B-1 visa framework can be unexpectedly complex.
At Kan-Tor & Acco, we regularly assist clients in navigating the intricacies of this system, which includes several subcategories such as the One-Year Expert Visa, the High-Tech Visa, the 90-Day Short Employment Authorization (SEA), and the Short-Term Employment Permit (STEP). Each visa track is designed for specific use cases, but selecting the appropriate one requires a careful analysis of the role, project scope, technical expertise, duration of stay, salary level, and eligibility under government criteria.
Why Visa Selection Matters
Choosing the wrong visa track can lead to serious consequences, including delayed assignments, visa denials, or non-compliance penalties, even when the employer has acted in good faith. For instance, using a SEA visa for work beyond its intended scope (such as long-term integration ) may trigger major difficulties in extending the visa for the required period.
A Bureaucratic and Strategic Challenge
Even after selecting the correct visa category, the application process itself is procedurally demanding. Many applications require dual approvals from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Economy and/or other ministries, detailed documentation (e.g., academic credentials, apostilled certificates), and strict adherence to timelines. Delays are common, particularly when multiple ministries or overseas consulates are involved.
Complicating matters further is the lack of centralized, up-to-date guidance in English. Many smaller employers, startups, or foreign companies without legal support based in Israel, find themselves struggling to interpret unclear or outdated government resources.
Time Sensitivity vs. Processing Delays
Many work assignments arise on short notice—whether it’s a systems engineer installing critical equipment or a specialist providing on-site training. Unfortunately, administrative timelines often fail to reflect this urgency. While some categories, like the High-Tech Visa, offer expedited processing for eligible companies, others remain vulnerable to delays caused by document legalization, internal approvals, or consular appointment backlogs.
Compliance Responsibilities
Legal compliance under the B-1 framework goes beyond securing the visa. Employers must understand and fulfill local legal obligations, such as wage standards, payslips, and medical insurance coverage, even for short-term or project-based assignments. Misunderstanding these requirements can lead to labor law violations, despite holding a valid visa.
Bridging Expectation Gaps
Foreign professionals accustomed to more streamlined immigration systems (such as in the EU, UK, or Canada) are often unprepared for the Israeli system’s document-heavy, multi-stage nature. When expectations aren’t managed, this can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and operational disruptions.
Our Approach: Strategic, Informed, Proactive
At Kan-Tor & Acco, we view work visa planning as a critical element of our clients’ human resources and operations strategy. Our services include:
- Identifying the appropriate visa track based on your specific circumstances
- Managing application preparation and submission
- Advising on compliance with Israeli labor laws
- Coordinating with government authorities and consulates
- Providing real-time updates on regulatory developments
Looking Ahead
Israel continues to modernize its immigration framework, but key reforms, such as greater standardization and accessible English-language resources, are still needed. Until then, success depends on the ability to navigate a complex system with care and foresight.
If your business is planning to hire or transfer foreign professionals to Israel, we are here to help. Our team has the experience and insight to guide you through the process—efficiently, compliantly, and strategically. Contact us today to learn how we can support your global mobility and workforce needs.
