Authorities recommence issuance of B-1 visa extensions beyond 63 months

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israel has resumed issuance of B-1 visa extensions for foreign experts beyond 63 months.

What does the change mean? Although authorities have not yet issued an official statement, they have apparently resolved issues that put the extensions on hold last month.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: B-1 visa extensions.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign experts seeking B-1 extensions beyond five years and three months.
• Business impact: The resumption of the issuance of the extensions is a positive development for companies requiring visa extensions for foreign experts.

Background: Israeli law allows employers to sponsor foreign experts on B-1 visas for up to 63 months. The visas may be extended in exceptional cases. In September, the Ministry of Interior halted the extensions while it reviewed regulations.

BAL Analysis: Employers may resume applications for B-1 extensions. BAL will continue to update clients on any changes to Israel’s policy on the extensions.

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.

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