IMPACT – HIGH

Israel recently announced automatic extensions of B-1 work visas held by foreign experts.

Key Points:

  • B-1 Israeli work visas held by foreign experts that expired between March 10 and June 30 will be automatically extended three months from the expiration date.
  • B-1 Israeli work visas held by foreign experts that expired between July 1 and Aug. 31 will be automatically extended for 10 weeks from the expiration date.
  • The automatic B-1 visa extensions apply to all foreign expert work visa sub-categories:
    • Forty-five day Israeli work visa (SEA).
    • Three-month Israeli work visa (STEP).
    • One-year work visa.
    • Hi-Tech 365 visa.
  • The automatic extensions apply unless the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has notified the visa holder otherwise. They also apply unless the MOI has canceled the visa or refused to renew it before the automatic extension.
  • Foreign experts who plan to stay in Israel longer than the automatic visa extension period should apply for a visa extension as soon as possible.

Background: Initially, visas were automatically extended in March until June 30.

Analysis & Comments: The B-1 work visa automatic extension is good news because it provides relief to foreign experts working in Israel. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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