B/1 Expert Visa for Israel – The Ultimate Guide

The B/1 Expert Visa is a work visa granted to foreign professionals with specialized skills needed in Israel’s workforce. This visa is issued to those whose expertise cannot be easily found among Israeli workers, allowing companies to legally hire foreign experts.

With the right documentation and expert guidance, you can obtain a B/1 Expert Visa in weeks rather than months. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process, eligibility, types, salary requirements, and how to fast-track approval.

1️⃣ Who Needs a B/1 Expert Visa?

The B/1 Expert Visa is for skilled professionals who will work in Israel in fields such as:

✔️ Technology & Startups – Software developers, AI specialists, cybersecurity experts.
✔️ Engineering & Infrastructure – Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers.
✔️ Medical & Biotech – Doctors, researchers, and lab technicians.
✔️ Business & Finance – High-level consultants, financial analysts, and executives.
✔️ Industrial & Manufacturing – Specialists in machinery, aerospace, and automotive sectors.

💡 Tip: Israeli employers must prove that no qualified Israeli citizen can perform the job before hiring a foreign expert.

2️⃣ B/1 Expert Visa Requirements

To qualify for the B/1 Expert Visa, you must meet the following conditions:

✅ Confirmed job offer from an Israeli company.
✅ Employer sponsorship – The company must apply on your behalf.
✅ Salary requirement – At least double the average Israeli wage.
✅ Work permit approval – Issued by the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
✅ Clean criminal record – Police clearance certificate.
✅ Health & medical clearance – Proof of good health.

💡 Tip: If your employer is not familiar with the B/1 visa process, using an immigration expert can prevent delays in approval.

3️⃣ Types of B/1 Expert Visas

1. Standard B/1 Work Visa (For Skilled Foreign Experts)

🔹 Valid for 1 year (renewable annually, up to 5 years).
🔹 Requires double the average Israeli salary.
🔹 Employer must justify the need for a foreign expert.

2. Hi-Tech B/1 Visa (For Tech & Startup Employees)

🔹 Fast-track process (approved in 6-8 weeks).
🔹 Designed for engineers, AI specialists, cybersecurity professionals.
🔹 Only certain Israeli companies qualify for this visa.

3. Short-Term B/1 Visa (For Up to 90 Days)

🔹 Used for specialists working temporarily (e.g., equipment installation, training).
🔹 No double salary requirement.
🔹 Faster processing time (2-4 weeks).
🔹 Cannot be extended beyond 90 days.

💡 Tip: If you need urgent entry for work, a short-term B/1 visa is often approved faster than a standard visa.

4️⃣ Step-by-Step Process for Getting a B/1 Expert Visa

📌 Step 1: Employer Submits Work Permit Application

📍 Your Israeli employer must apply for a work permit at the Israeli Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Economy.
📍 The employer must prove the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.
📍 Processing time: 3-6 months (or 6-8 weeks for Hi-Tech visas).

📌 Step 2: Gather Required Documents for the B/1 Visa

Once your employer's work permit is approved, you must submit the following documents:

📜 Employer-Sponsored Documents:
✔️ A sponsorship letter from your Israeli employer.
✔️ A valid work permit approval from the Ministry of Interior.
✔️ A salary declaration confirming compliance with Israeli wage laws.

📑 Personal Documents:
✔️ Passport (valid for at least 2 years).
✔️ Birth certificate (with an apostille).
✔️ Criminal background check (police clearance certificate).
✔️ Medical examination results.
✔️ Diplomas, certifications, and proof of professional qualifications.

💡 Tip: Any document not in Hebrew or English must be officially translated and notarized.

📌 Step 3: Submit the Visa Application at the Israeli Consulate

📍 Once all documents are ready, you must apply at the Israeli consulate in your home country.
📍 The consulate will review your paperwork and may conduct an interview.
📍 If approved, you will receive a B/1 visa stamp in your passport.

📌 Step 4: Enter Israel & Finalize Your Work Permit

📍 You must enter Israel within 30 days of visa approval.
📍 Upon arrival, your employer will assist in:
✔️ Registering you with the Ministry of Interior.
✔️ Activating your B/1 visa for work authorization.
✔️ Ensuring tax and social security compliance.

💡 Tip: If you fail to enter Israel within 30 days, your visa may be revoked, and you’ll have to reapply.

5️⃣ Salary Requirements for a B/1 Expert Visa

🔹 The Israeli government requires B/1 visa holders to earn at least double the average Israeli salary.
🔹 As of 2024, this means a minimum salary of ~22,000 NIS ($6,000) per month.
🔹 Short-term (under 90 days) B/1 visas are exempt from this salary requirement.

💡 Tip: The salary rule ensures that Israeli companies only hire foreign experts for high-skilled jobs.

6️⃣ Can You Bring Your Family? (Spouse & Children)

✔️ Yes! B/1 visa holders can apply for B/2 dependent visas for their spouse and children.
✔️ However, spouses are not automatically allowed to work and must apply separately for a B/1 visa if they want employment.

💡 Tip: If your spouse wants to work, they may need to find a job offer and get a separate B/1 visa.

7️⃣ Renewing a B/1 Expert Visa

✔️ Renewals must be requested by your employer before your visa expires.
✔️ Extensions are granted for 1 year at a time, up to a maximum of 5 years.
✔️ If you change employers, you must reapply for a new visa under the new company.

💡 Tip: If your contract ends, you must leave Israel immediately unless a renewal is in process.

8️⃣ Fast-Track B/1 Visa Processing – How Easy Aliyah Can Help

Easy Aliyah specializes in fast-tracking B/1 Expert Visas by ensuring:

✅ Work Permit Approval in Weeks, Not Months
✅ Error-Free Visa Applications (Prevent Delays)
✅ Priority Interview Scheduling at Israeli Consulates
✅ Legal Assistance for Family Visas
✅ Support for Hi-Tech Visa Applications

💡 Tip: Want to get your B/1 Expert Visa fast? Contact Easy Aliyah for priority processing! 🚀

📞 Need help? Message Easy Aliyah today to start your B/1 Visa application! 🏆