By Adv. Daniel Aspiro, Head of Private Clients, Kan-Tor & Acco |
The State of Israel allows the obtaining of an Israeli work visa, residency, or citizenship for “spouses” of Israeli citizens. In Israel a qualifying relationship exists for same sex and heterosexual couples, who are either formally married or reside together as if married. Processes relating to the spouse are known as a spousal visa, boyfriend visa, is called in professional language family unification, and everyday language: a spouse’s visa, boyfriend/girlfriend visa, or the Step by Step Process.
To be able to obtain formal legal status for the spouse, that will allow him/her to work and live in Israel, an application must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior.
In our previous articles, we explained in detail the process for obtaining legal status for the foreign partner. In this article, we will address the bumps and difficulties that may arise in a meeting at the Ministry of the Interior, and how Kan-Tor & Acco may help shorten the processing time.
Let’s be honest: the process is not simple, its long and requires extensive documentation. The process can be completed in a single meeting at the Ministry to months of traveling back and forth. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the Ministry of the Interior will approve the application. A solution to almost any problem can be found through proper legal planning in advance and the assistance of a professional law firm such as Kan-Tor & Acco.
The process for obtaining status in Israel for the foreign spouse of an Israeli citizen allows only the the Israeli citizen (together with his/her lawyer), to attend the first meeting at the Ministry of the Interior.
Assuming all documents submitted to the Ministry of the Interior are accepted , the Ministry of the Interior will send an invitation to the foreign spouse to appear at the Israeli Embassy to obtain a visa, depending on the place of residency or will allow entry into Israel without the need for a pre-entry visa prior traveling to Israel.
One of the essential requirements of the Ministry of the Interior to open a case for the spousal process is the provision of basic original documents (photocopies are normally not accepted). Without these documents, the case will not be opened. Kan-Tor & Acco may make an appointment for you in order to shorten the waiting times.
The following is a partial list of required documents. Additional documents may be required by the Ministry of Interior depending on the circumstances:
A. Birth certificate
B. Personal status certificate
C. Certificate of good conduct (known also as “Police Clearance”)
Note: Most of the original documents are to be issued for the foreign spouse, and obtaining these documents requires careful planning in advance to avoid delays in the process.
Any original document originating from a foreign country requires the stamp of an “apostille” under the Hague Convention (apostille). The Convention is accepted in 105 member states, including the State of Israel.
At the same time and under the requirements of the Ministry of the Interior, any original document that is not in either Hebrew or English must be submitted with a notarized translation of the document into Hebrew, including the apostille translation.
The lack of any required document and/or lack of an apostille stamp and/or a notarized translation into Hebrew will most probably delay the process or even be a ground for denial.
The assistance of a professional law firm such as as Kan-Tor & Acco in initiating the process and assisting in preparation before the meeting at the Ministry of the Interior allows full synchronization between the requirements of the Ministry of the Interior and the client’s documents.
Undoubtedly, the correct preparation and professional advice before the meeting at the Ministry of Interior will prevent delays and denials and will allow the foreign spouse to work and live in Israel faster and easier.
Our firm has vast experience, and we can assist you in the complicated process of submitting the request to the Ministry of the Interior, setting the appointments at the Ministry of the Interior or preparing the case before the Israeli Consulate.
Kan-Tor & Acco specializes in all applications for immigration to Israel including the Step-by-Step process.
