Improvements Expected for High-Tech Work Permit Process

At a Glance

In 2018, the Israeli Ministry of Interior is expected to improve the high-tech work permit process, including:

• Introducing an online application process that will speed up adjudications;
• Allowing spouses of high-tech work permit visa holders to work; and
• Allowing 500 foreign students in Israel to work in the high-tech industry without meeting prevailing wage requirements.

The situation

In 2018, the Israeli Ministry of Interior is expected to improve the high-tech work permit process to attract foreign nationals to the program.

• Online application process.  A new online application process is expected to allow eligible employers who seek to hire foreign workers under a high-tech work permit to complete their pre-approval process with the Innovation Authority on a new online interface.
  • Impact. Israeli employers of foreign nationals applying for high-tech work permits, can expect to receive an adjudication of their application within days, instead of the current 45 days. 
• Spouses. Same-sex, common-law and married spouses of high-tech work permit visa holders are expected to be able to work in Israel.  
• Foreign students. Five hundred foreign students each year will be able to work in the high-tech industry in Israel without meeting prevailing wage requirements. Currently, foreign students must meet prevailing wage requirements to be able to work after graduation.

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 emea@fragomen.com.