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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The U.S. Embassy in Israel will allow Israeli nationals who meet certain criteria to renew U.S. visitor visas without an in-person visit.
What does the change mean? Qualifying Israeli nationals can renew U.S. visitor visas by having their applications delivered by courier.
Background: Israeli nationals applying for U.S. visitor visas are generally required to visit the U.S. Embassy for an interview in order to apply for or renew a visa. The Interview Waiver Program allows some to apply for visas by courier, without an interview. The program was previously available only to applicants under 14 and 80 or over. It now also covers applicants between those ages who have a visa that is still valid or expired less than 12 months ago, are applying for a visa in the same place where the previous visa was issued, are applying to renew the same type of visa, were 14 or older when their previous visa was issued, and hold a visa that was issued after Dec. 31, 2007.
The visa must be one of the types listed above. It cannot have the words “clearance,” “blanket” or “waiver” printed on it. Note that officials may determine that applicants must report for an interview even when applicants meet the criteria listed above.
BAL Analysis: Waiver of the in-person requirement will significantly simplify the visa renewal process for those who qualify.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? Israel has suspended its 30-day Short Employment Authorization (SEA) pilot program until formal regulations are adopted.
What does the change mean? Employers should use Israel’s 90-day Short Term Expedited Process (STEP) work permit program until further notice.
Background: Israel launched the SEA pilot program one year ago to provide urgent work authorization for foreign employees to help with repairs and other short-term projects. The Ministry of Interior announced on Dec. 23 that it would not accept SEA applications until formal regulations are adopted. No date has been set for the adoption of the regulations, but officials expect it will occur in the near future.
BAL Analysis: The suspension of the SEA program removes one option for employers, although it appears likely the program will be reinstated relatively soon. In the meantime, the STEP program is the best option. Employers should be aware that the STEP application process can take one to two months.
What is the change? Regulations to be released soon will set new restrictions on 30-day work authorization.
What does the change mean? According to the Ministry of Interior, the new regulations will prohibit foreigners holding a 30-day work authorization (also called SEA status) from applying for a standard one-year work permit (B-1 visa).
Background: The new regulations are expected to clarify that foreigners holding SEA status must apply for a new permit for each entry into Israel and that the total duration of stay cannot exceed 30 days within a 12-month period. Additionally, under the new rules, a foreigner cannot apply for a B-1 work visa in the 12 months following the last visit with SEA status.
The new rules are in effect for new applications, not for those holding SEA status with a pending B-1 application.
SEA status is a work authorization endorsement to a B-2 visitor visa. The duration of a visitor’s SEA status is registered in the Ministry of Interior’s system before the foreign national enters Israel.
BAL Analysis: The new rules will make it harder to convert from a 30-day SEA to a B-1 work visa without lengthy interruptions. Therefore, foreign assignees may opt to apply for a B-1 visa instead of SEA status if their work is likely to last more than 30 days within a 12-month period.
IMPACT – LOW
What is the change? Australia and Israel have agreed to a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa program.
What does the change mean? The memorandum of understanding provides 500 visas in each country for young people to work and travel for up to a year in each other’s countries.
Background: Australia and Israel signed the agreement 22 October and announced that they will work toward implementing immigration procedures in coming months. Work and Holiday visas provide that young adults, generally aged 18 to 30, may travel and work on a short-term basis, usually for up to one year.
BAL Analysis: Australia continues to expand its Work and Holiday program. Israel is the 12th country to be added to the program, joining Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, the U.S. and Uruguay.
This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.
MARN: 9683856
What is the change? Government agencies will be closed during the observances of Rosh Hashana and Sukkot.
What does the change mean? No work permits or visa applications will be processed.
Background: All government offices in Israel will close for the holidays. Consular posts will have the option of closing or staying open on a part-time schedule.
BAL Analysis: Employers should be mindful of these holidays and submit planned applications as soon as possible so that they are processed immediately. Applicants for visas and permits should check with their local consulates for holiday schedules.
What is the change? Israel has approved a measure to provide investor visas to Americans, completing a reciprocal agreement in which the U.S. will provide similar visas to eligible Israeli investors.
What does the change mean? The new visas will allow American and Israel investors, along with their families and essential employees, to stay and work in each other’s countries.
Background: In June 2012, U.S. President Barack Obama approved a measure to allow Israeli investors, their families and executives in their companies to enter the U.S. with E-2 visas, but its implementation depended on reciprocal action in Israel. On Aug. 13, 2014 the Israeli Knesset approved a decision to offer new B-5 visas to Americans investing in Israeli businesses. Senior officials at the Ministry of Interior stated that the visa will allow American investors, their family members and key employees to live in Israel at first for one year, but their stays may be extended upon demonstration of job creation in Israel.
BAL Analysis: Israel’s Ministry of Interior is expected to issue regulations on procedures for the B-5 visas soon.
What is the change? Starting Tuesday, Israel’s primary public sector labor union is launching a partial strike.
What does the change mean? Operations at all border control posts, with the exception of Ben-Gurion International Airport, will be suspended.
Background: The public sector labor union is initiating a strike that will bring border control operations to a halt. Other government services including the tax authorities and courts will also cease operations. At this time, no information has been provided about how long the strike may last or whether more government offices will join the strike.
BAL Analysis: Travelers should be aware that Ben-Gurion International Airport is the only border control post where operations will continue during the strike.
What is the change? The Israeli government has signaled its readiness to offer a new B-5 investment visa for Americans investing in Israel.
What does the change mean? The new visa would create a reciprocal arrangement in which Israeli investors will be offered E-2 visas for entry into the U.S. in exchange for a similar visa opportunity for American investors in Israel.
Background: Last year, President Obama signed legislation to add Israel to the list of countries that are eligible for the E-2 non-immigrant investor visa in the U.S., allowing investors and their employees to live in the U.S. for up to two years. A reciprocal plan for American investors in Israel was formulated by an inter-ministerial committee and approved by the Israeli government March 30, but implementation has been delayed.
The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a seminar at which a representative of the Ministry of the Interior stated that Israel anticipates issuance of the regulations this summer. It would be the first Israeli work visa that would allow employment authorization for dependent spouses. It would be valid for one year and may be extended upon a showing of job creation in Israel.
BAL Analysis: The new reciprocal visa arrangement should benefit American and Israeli companies making investments in each other’s countries.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? Government offices will close June 3 and 4 for Shavuot, a Jewish holiday.
Background: All government offices close for the holiday. Schedules in overseas posts, however, will vary—some will close and others may provide limited service.
BAL Analysis: Applicants for visas and permits should check with their local consulates for holiday schedules.
What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed May 5-6 in observance of the nation’s Day of Remembrance and Independence Day.
What does the change mean? No work permits or visa applications will be adjudicated.
Background: Government offices close for the annual two-day holiday while procedures in overseas consular posts will vary. Some overseas missions will suspend operations while others will process on a limited schedule.
BAL Analysis: Applicants for visas and work permits should check with their local consulates for holiday schedules.