Hi-Tech Work Visas made available to certain students, recent graduates

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Israeli government has implemented a new regulation for the Hi-Tech Work Visa, allowing companies to hire certain students and recent graduates as hi-tech professionals.

Key Points:

• Hi-tech Israeli companies can now submit work visa applications for students or recent graduates for the following “hi-tech professions” in Israel:
  • Communication Systems Engineering, Computers, Computer Science, Data Science, Exact Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Medicine, Optical/Electro-Optics Engineering, Physics, Software Engineering and Statistics.
• Current students hired to work in a hi-tech profession can only work part-time, and their salaries do not have to meet the prevailing wage of a foreign expert.
• Companies can submit applications for individuals who have graduated in the past three years. Salaries for recent graduates working in hi-tech professions must meet the minimum salary requirement per month during the first six months of employment; salaries must be increased to at least 150% of the minimum requirement after six months of employment.

BAL Analysis: Authorities implemented the new regulation in an effort to encourage foreign students to study hi-tech professions in Israel while permitting them to work during school and after graduation.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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