When both spouses (Israeli and foreign spouse) reside outside Israel, they must submit a request for entry at an Israeli consulate, ensuring that both are present at the consulate. This applies even if the invited spouse is a citizen of a country exempt from obtaining a visa in advance. Additionally, they must present all required documents as outlined in the MOI policy.
1. Consular process and verification
After the required checks by the consulate, and once the Israeli consulate has addressed the foreign spouse’s personal status (changing their status to “married” if applicable), the request will be forwarded to the Visa and Status Department in Israel. This department is responsible for reviewing the consulate’s findings, ensuring compliance with the procedural requirements, and examining the documents submitted. They will also verify information about previous stays in Israel, any blacklists, illegal residency, prior interviews at the Israeli consulate, revocations of status, and past relationships with Israeli nationals.
2. Investigating the authenticity of the relationship
If there are doubts regarding the authenticity of the relationship, the Visa and Status Department or the consulate has the discretion to conduct a more in-depth investigation. This may involve a more detailed interview with both spouses. If additional investigations are required, the Israeli spouse must be informed in writing within 90 days from the receipt of the full application from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Should an interview with the foreign spouse be necessary, instructions and background information will be provided to the consulate.
3. Refusal of the application
If, during the examination of the relationship’s authenticity, insufficient evidence is found to prove the relationship is genuine, or if the relationship appears to be a sham intended solely for obtaining legal status in Israel, the Visa and Status Department or the consulate has the authority to deny the request. A written explanation for the denial will be provided, along with information about the right to appeal. In general, a decision on the application for entry to Israel should be made within 90 days from receiving the full application from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after verifying compliance with the procedure’s requirements and conducting a preliminary evaluation of the relationship’s authenticity.
4. Consultation with other authorities
If input from other authorities is necessary, the application decision will be postponed until their opinions are provided. However, the Israeli spouse must be informed in writing within 90 days from the receipt of the full application about the need for further checks before a decision is made. If authorities provide comments, these will be addressed according to the “Authorities’ Comments Procedure.”
5. Entry for Visa-Exempt nationals
If the foreign spouse is a national of a country exempt from a pre-arranged entry visa, they must still approach the Israeli consulate to receive entry approval, which they must present at the border control upon arriving in Israel. The consulate will document the issuance of the entry permit in the consular system and ensure the information is entered into the computerized system.
6. Entry for nationals requiring a pre-arranged visa
If the foreign spouse is a citizen of a country requiring a pre-arranged visa, the consulate or the relevant Israeli mission abroad will issue a B/2 visa valid for 30 days. The decision will be recorded in both the “Registration Sheet” and the “Visa System,” and a notification will be sent to the Israeli spouse. If a minor child is accompanying the foreign spouse, their details will also be forwarded to the consulate.
It is important to note that the issuance of an entry permit does not constitute the start of the gradual process toward residency or citizenship. After the foreign spouse enters Israel, the couple must submit an online application to regulate the foreign spouse’s legal status within 30 days. If the application is denied, the decision will be updated in the computerized systems.
This comprehensive process ensures that the entry of foreign spouses to Israel is managed according to legal and procedural requirements, with careful consideration of each case to ensure compliance with Israeli law.
