The situation
The Israeli Ministry of Interior has excluded international companies and local branches of international companies from the expedited Hi-Tech (HIT) Visa route. Separately, the Israeli Innovation Authority introduced a new procedure to verify a company’s eligibility to sponsor HIT Visas.
A closer look
- Company eligibility. As the result of a recent policy change, the Ministry of Interior has limited eligibility to sponsor HIT Visas to Israeli-registered Hi-Tech companies. Notably, international companies, including their local branches, are no longer eligible to sponsor HIT Visas effective immediately.
- Request for pre-ruling. The Israeli Innovation Authority now accepts requests for a pre-ruling on whether a company is eligible to sponsor HIT Visas. Previously, eligibility for sponsorship could only be assessed as part of the first HIT Visa application.
Impact
While the policy change limits the number of eligible sponsor companies, it clarifies the HIT Visa process. Fragomen expects the pre-ruling procedure to make the process more transparent and reliable.
Background
The Hi-Tech Visa offers expedited and streamlined processing for applicants travelling to Israel to work at sponsor companies operating in designated high-tech industries based in Israel.
Looking ahead
Fragomen expects the Ministry to continue updating the process and eligibility as the HIT Visa process is tested in practice.
Fragomen worked closely with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Israel) to prepare this alert. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
In an interview with Australasian Lawyer, Special Counsel Rebecca Baggiano discusses her career and pro bono work.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted in three categories of the 2024 Chambers USA DEI Awards.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the updated Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares what options employers have when sponsoring engineers under the new UK five-point plan.
Video
Paralegal Elizabeth Collier discusses the requirements for and process of applying for the UK's Global Talent Visa in the Arts and Culture category.
Fragomen news
Forbes names Partner Lisa Ryan to its inaugural list, "Top 200 Lawyers in the US."
Media mentions
Senior Manager Laxmi Limbani, Associate Naureen Malik and Apprentice Paralegal Henry Thourgood-Marshall share how the Northern UK needs to harness UK immigration to accelerate and elevate the region’s economic growth.
Media mentions
Partner Diana Quintas shared with Valor Econômico how the need for qualified labour is shaping the visa opportunities for professionals in Brazil.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the launch of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights and welcomes Senior Policy Advisor Amy Nice.
Media mentions
Manager Harry Goldstraw shares what UK employers need to consider when sending employees on short-term contracts to the European Union.
Blog post
This blog highlights the growing momentum of the UK's semiconductor sector, emphasising its strategic importance for the nation's science and technology ambitions, while also addressing upcoming challenges in talent acquisition due to proposed changes in immigration policies.
Blog post
This blog outlines key immigration and mobility impacts stemming from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
In an interview with Australasian Lawyer, Special Counsel Rebecca Baggiano discusses her career and pro bono work.
Awards
Fragomen is shortlisted in three categories of the 2024 Chambers USA DEI Awards.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the updated Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares what options employers have when sponsoring engineers under the new UK five-point plan.
Video
Paralegal Elizabeth Collier discusses the requirements for and process of applying for the UK's Global Talent Visa in the Arts and Culture category.
Fragomen news
Forbes names Partner Lisa Ryan to its inaugural list, "Top 200 Lawyers in the US."
Media mentions
Senior Manager Laxmi Limbani, Associate Naureen Malik and Apprentice Paralegal Henry Thourgood-Marshall share how the Northern UK needs to harness UK immigration to accelerate and elevate the region’s economic growth.
Media mentions
Partner Diana Quintas shared with Valor Econômico how the need for qualified labour is shaping the visa opportunities for professionals in Brazil.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the launch of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights and welcomes Senior Policy Advisor Amy Nice.
Media mentions
Manager Harry Goldstraw shares what UK employers need to consider when sending employees on short-term contracts to the European Union.
Blog post
This blog highlights the growing momentum of the UK's semiconductor sector, emphasising its strategic importance for the nation's science and technology ambitions, while also addressing upcoming challenges in talent acquisition due to proposed changes in immigration policies.
Blog post
This blog outlines key immigration and mobility impacts stemming from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.