
The situation
The Israeli Ministry of Interior amended processes relating to the employment of visa exempt nationals by Israeli hi-tech and cyber companies.
A closer look
- Consular processing. Effective immediately, visa exempt nationals applying for Hi-Tech (HIT) visas must undergo consular processing prior to their arrival in Israel. Previously, such nationals could enter Israel under a visa on arrival.
- Impact. Depending on the consulate, this will add approximately 30 to 45 days to HIT visa application process. Employers should consider the consular processing times when planning start dates. Fragomen’s co-counsel will contact affected nationals to gather the requisite documentation for this step of the process, which may vary by consular post.
- Longer short-term visa introduced. Israeli hi-tech and cyber employers can apply for a 90-day Short Employment Authorization (SEA) for visa exempt nationals, which has a processing time of up to six business days. Previously, SEAs were only issued for up to 45 days. Employers applying for the longer SEA (for over a 45-day period) will be required to meet the prevailing wage, currently NIS 19,604 per month, whereas for the up to 45-day SEA they do not need to meet this requirement.
- Impact. Qualifying Israeli hi-tech companies sending visa exempt nationals to Israel for 90 days or less should benefit from this streamlined SEA option but should ensure they comply with the prevailing wage requirement.
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]. Fragomen worked closely with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Israel) to prepare this alert.
Explore more at Fragomen

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.