American Embassy Visits University of Haifa to Answer Visa and Passport Questions



Not only Consular Officers, but even the U.S. Ambassador,
was at the University of Haifa for America Day!



Four members of the Embassy’s Consular Section spent the day at the University of Haifa answering students’ and professors’ questions about travel to the U.S., dual nationality, and U.S. passports. 

While some people stopped by just for a handful of American popcorn, most had plenty of questions for us. One of the most popular questions was how to apply for visa. You can find that information here:

 http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/niv/apply2.html.

We were surprised to meet so many other Americans at the University! We were happy to let them know that for passport renewals, they don’t need to travel to travel all the way to Tel Aviv. Rather, the Embassy’s Consular Agency in Haifa (http://israel.usembassy.gov/haifa.html) is there to provide passport assistance, as well as many other citizen services.

While we hope that our visitors enjoyed the videos, talks, and lectures, we were most impressed by the view from the 30^th floor of the Hecht tower.  We could almost see the Embassy from there!







Vice Consul Highlights Study Opportunities in the United States

A Vice Consul from Embassy Tel Aviv's Consular Section visited Ben Gurion University in Beersheva, on Nov. 23, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem on Nov. 30, to provide information about student visas and exchange opportunities in the United States.

In partnership with EducationUSA, the Consular Officer spoke to dozens of students about the visa application process and how to qualify for student and exchange visas.

Thinking about studying in the United States? Each year, thousands of Israelis travel to the United States to study at American universities—you could be one of them! Find answers to all your student visa questions at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.

Many Israelis also study and work in the United States with a J1 Exchange Visitor visa, as part of the Camp Counselor program, or the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program. Learn more about exchange opportunities at http://j1visa.state.gov/programs.

Still have more questions? Visit our Facebook page and post your question on our wall. Consular staff are available to answer your questions around the clock!

ACS Team Adjudicates Passports in the House of the Sun

Beit Shemesh families submit consular reports of birth abroad and passport applications
during a U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services outreach Dec. 15, 2011

As part of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services’ ongoing effort to provide services to U.S. citizens in their home towns in Israel, a team of consular officers and locally employed staff sojourned to Beit Shemesh, “House of the Sun,” to adjudicate Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport applications.

In addition, Federal Benefits representatives from U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem answered questions, such as how a new parent could apply for a child’s Social Security number.

This beautiful town boasts many historical landmarks and a population of 80,000, with a growing contingent of U.S. citizens. Historians believe ancient residents named Beit Shemesh after a Canaanite sun-goddess and sacred Jewish and Christian scriptures mention Beit Shemesh in multiple places. Beit Shemesh’s Muslim past is evidenced by the Abu Mizar mosque. In modern times, the region boasts buildings industries, including many carpentry and metalwork workshops. Beit Shemesh has witnessed a great deal of history and now Americans are having a significant impact due to the large influx of newcomers with large families.

During the Dec. 14, 2011 visit, the busy consular team reviewed 78 passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad requests of many grateful families. “You definitely saved us a lot of time!” said one excited applicant. Would you like the American Citizen Services team to visit your town? Send us an email at telavivacs@state.gov.

Home Sweet Home



Consular staff members help local families apply for passports and
consular reports of birth abroad during a Nov. 16 visit to Beersheva.



Have you ever wished a consular

officer could come to your house to pick up your passport application? Well, sometimes wishes come true!

U.S Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services representatives occasionally travel to cities throughout Israel to process passport and consular report of birth abroad applications, saving Americans a trip to the Embassy.

During a Nov. 16, 2011 visit to Beersheva, Americans who were a few months old and some who were older didn’t receive a home visit, but they experienced the next best thing: a local visit! Consular staff from the Embassy set up shop at a library to process applications for passports and consular reports of birth abroad. “We really appreciate you being here!” was the response Embassy staff often heard as Americans submitted their final paper work.

The staff also used the opportunity to provide contact information for the American Citizen Services section, including e-mail addresses, websites, and public phone hours. Of course, they didn’t forget to plug this website, as well as the new ACS Facebook page.

Advice from Consular Officers to IDF Soldiers: Don’t be Fooled by Kiosk Job Recruiters!

Embassy both at the IDF Kenes,
October 2011.

On October 26, 27 and 30, U.S. Embassy consular officers and staff participated at the quarterly IDF discharge seminars (Kenes Mishtachririm), which are mandatory for soldiers completing their compulsory military service. 

During these seminars, Consular staff was available to speak with soldiers interested in working in the United States, providing them with accurate information regarding visas, warning them about false advertising by kiosk recruiters, and offering advice to individuals regarding their specific circumstances and interest in work, travel and study in the United States. 

The U.S. Embassy’s consular presence at these exit seminars counters false information provided by kiosk job recruiters, who despite being banned from formal participation in the kenes (which also function as job fairs), set up booths outside the kenes grounds to recruit Israelis to work illegally in the United States.

Check out the video below:

Consular Officer Speaks to High Tech Professionals about Visa Procedures

On Sept. 6, a consular officer spoke about visa procedures at a conference on U.S.-Israel trade relations hosted by the Manufacturers' Association of Israel (MAI). More than 50 technology professionals attended the event to learn more about the visa application process and how to prepare for a visa interview.

The consular officer emphasized the importance of applying early—especially for applicants who work in sensitive technical or scientific fields—as some applications may require additional administrative processing. The processing, on average, takes approximately four weeks to complete, but can sometimes take longer during peak travel seasons.

The consular officer also reminded attendees that applicants who bring detailed documentation to the interview can help the Embassy begin processing their cases right away. For a list of recommended documents applicants should bring to the interview, visit the following link: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/niv/nonimmigrant/information-for-applicants-with-a-technical-or-scientific-background.html.

The Embassy's goal is to facilitate legitimate business travel by issuing visas in a timely manner, the consular officer said. However, we expect business travelers to: 1) plan ahead and apply for a visa as far in advance of their travel as possible, and 2), to prepare for the interview by bringing the recommended documents and being able to clearly and concisely describe their travel/business plans.

"Ultimately, the better prepared you are for the visa interview, the more efficiently we can process your visa," the consular officer concluded.

Advice for Visa Applicants Who Work in Scientific or Technology Fields

Do you work or study in a sensitive scientific or technical field? If so, your visa may be subject to additional processing.

The processing, on average, takes approximately four weeks to complete. Per U.S. visa laws and regulations the validity of your visa may also be limited, depending upon the visa category.

Want to help us process your case faster? Come to your interview prepared!

Applicants who present detailed information at the interview can help us begin processing those cases right away. Otherwise, we have to wait until the necessary information is submitted—additional processing cannot begin until we receive that information. Non-refundable flight reservations or other travel plans should not be finalized until after you have received your visa.  This process cannot be expedited.

Information that the consular officer will need varies, and we suggest applicants come prepared to present the following information, in writing, at the interview:

• A detailed description of your current business, research or study program interests.
• Information about your current position and location of current work (including address and phone number).
• Complete CV/resume.
• International travel history for the past 10 years (names of countries and years visited).
• Travel itinerary for current trip.
• Letter of invitation, including the address, website, and contact information of the company and/or institution that you intend to visit in the United States.
• The point of contact at the company and/or institution.
• Details about the business, research or studies you plan to conduct in the United States.
• Details about the source of funding for the trip.
• Location and manner in which you will use the goods or knowledge acquired in the United States.
• List of your publications, if any.
• Letter of invitation from U.S. sponsor (if applicable).
• Details about the conference you plan to attend.
• Conference registration confirmation (if available)
• Export license numbers covering the activity, if relevant.

Soldiers, Watch out! Some People Lie About U.S. Visa Laws!

Consular staff answer questions at
IDF Kenes, July 2011.

As part of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv's outreach efforts, consular staff attended the IDF Conference “Kenes Mistechrerim” on July 6, 7 and 10, 2011.  More than 3,000 Israeli soldiers, excited about their upcoming release, attend this mandatory exit seminar.

Consular staff members spoke with Israeli soldiers about the proper use of tourist visas, answered visa questions, and discussed the consequences of working illegally in the United States. The goal of the outreach was to provide Israeli soldiers with accurate information regarding U.S. visa laws—reminding soldiers that the U.S. Embassy and U.S. State Department are the only sources for official information about visas and how to work legally in the United States. Soldiers were reminded to always check what job recruiters say.  They may be inaccurate and not have soldiers' best interests at heart  

Consular staff provided soldiers with several useful U.S. Embassy resources.  Visit these websites to see for yourself!



IDF Kenes Mistechrerim, July 2011.



For information about B1/B2 visas and other visa types, visit our website.

Soldiers can ask questions on Embassy Tel Aviv's Consular Section Facebook page. 

Please also watch our newest Youtube video about the consequences of illegal work in the United States.

Consular Section Answers Visa Questions in Modiin

Hip-hop music and break dancers highlighted the U.S. Embassy's July 6 "America Day" in Modiin, held in conjunction with the city's local Street Art Festival.

The Public Diplomacy Section brought three internationally-recognized American break dancers as judges for Israel's 7th annual "Battle of the Year," a competition of Israel's top individual dancers and crews. An estimated 4,000 people came for the battle itself and the events beforehand, including skating, rapping, biking, and parkour.

Throughout the event, Consular Section staff answered questions about studying in the United States, visas and American Citizen Services. The most common question was: "How do I apply for a visa?" For the answer, visit our website at http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/niv/apply2.html.

American Citizen Services Staff Visit Safed



Passport Assistant Johnny Sakran assists
Americans with their passport applications.



A visit to the old city of Safed is generally to learn about the city’s vibrant history, to wander down the cobblestone alleys filled with art galleries and eateries, or to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Golan, Mount Hermon, Mount Meron and the Kinneret.

But on June 21, 2011, a group of Embassy employees from the American Citizen Services (ACS) section made the trek to northern Israel for an entirely different reason.

This ACS trip focused on outreach to the American community there and to provide consular services to them. Two Vice Consuls and five locally-engaged staff provided a full array of services, including accepting and adjudicating passport applications and Consular Reports of Births Abroad, providing notarial services and updating the American population about the recent closure of the Tel Aviv Federal Benefits Unit.

Join the American Citizen Services email list serv to find out when the Embassy will next visit a town near you.

Vice Consul Briefs Technion Students on Visa Application Process

A Vice Consul visited Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, on Mar. 30, 2011 to provide information about student visas and exchange opportunities, primarily in scientific fields of study.

In partnership with EducationUSA, the Consular Officer spoke to several hundred graduate students about the application process and how to qualify for student and exchange visas.

For answers to all your student visa questions, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.

Vice Consul Speaks to IDC Graduate Students

A Vice Consul visited the Interdisciplinary Center of Herzliya (IDC) campus on Tuesday, Mar. 28 to provide information about student visas.

In partnership with EducationUSA, the Consular Officer spoke to several hundred students at a graduate student fair about the application process and how to qualify for a student visa.

For answers to all your student visa questions, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.

Consular Staff Educate Soldiers about Proper Use of Tourist Visas at IDF Conference

Consular staff speak to soldiers at
March 2011 army conference.

Consular staff of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv completed their first successful outreach on the proper use of tourist visas at the IDF Conference “Kenes Mistechrerim” March 3, 4 and 6, 2011.

More than 3,000 Israeli soldiers soon-to-be-released from the army attend this mandatory exit seminar, which occurs three times per year and educates soldiers about work and academic opportunities after their army service.

Consular staff spoke to soldiers about the proper use of B1/B2 visas to visit the United States, answered visa questions, and warned soldiers of the consequences of working illegally in the United States.

The outreach successfully reached the Consular section's target audience of 18-30 year old Israelis, who often fall prey to job recruiters who target them to work illegally in mall kiosks across the United States.

Consular Staff Give Back to the Community

Consular staff at U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv got into the spirit of Consular Leadership Day on Feb. 24, 2011 by focusing on the Consular tenet "Build Great Teams," with an emphasis on a secondary theme of "Resilience."

The day began with community service and ended with structured teambuilding exercises, including a laughter workshop. Staff kicked off the morning by brightening the lives of two under-served communities in the city: a senior citizens' home and a local dog shelter.

Half of the Consular Section visited the dog shelter as the public service element of Consular Leadership Day. Armed with donated blankets and towels, staff came with bright paint and brushes to give the shelter a facelift. While some staff rolled up their sleeves to paint, others grabbed leashes and took dogs out of their cages for walks in the sunshine.
The morning concluded with a special donation from the Consular Section to the shelter - money which will go a long way to help these animals.

While one group of volunteers helped out our four-legged friends, another team headed to the Society for the Aged in Tel Aviv. The Consular Section has built a rapport with this senior citizens' home after visiting there last year for Consular Leadership Day.

The group presented the residents with two large rosemary plants to liven up their surroundings as well as their meals. With a theme of "peace," Consular staff sat with the residents to chat and work on a drawing project of doves. The Society arranged for a guitar player, and everyone participated in a sing-along. The room was energized when one elderly resident enthusiastically serenaded the audience.

At the conclusion of the morning's volunteer activities, the Consular Section convened at the Arab-Jewish Community Center in Jaffa for teambuilding activities. Consular staff split into teams to see who knew the most about their colleagues during a trivia quiz.

Ben Gurion University researcher Debbie Iancu-Haddad drew upon the group's energy level when she spoke on using humor to improve office morale. Flashing a bright smile and contagious laugh, she explained how a little bit of humor and a deep laugh can make any environment a better place to work. Her workshop dovetailed with the day's teambuilding and resilience themes.

Vice Consul Speaks to Israeli-Arab Students in Nazareth

On Feb. 22, 2011, a Vice Consul spoke to Israeli-Arab students at Galilee High School in Nazareth about student visas and study opportunities in the United States. The Follow-Up Committee on Arab Education facilitated the event.

In partnership with EducationUSA, the program helped explain the college application process and the student visa application process to many students who had never traveled to the U.S. before.

The event responded to Secretary Clinton's recent video message about International Education Week, in which she stressed the importance of promoting study in the United States to underrepresented populations.

Consular Section Takes American Citizen Services on the Road

To better serve American citizens though Israel, the American Citizen Services section of Embassy Tel Aviv took their operations on the road to provide consular services across Israel.

Staff visited Bet Shemesh on Feb. 14, Dimona on Feb. 15, Beersheva on Feb. 16, and Madjal Shams on Feb. 17.

During the visits, staff processed hundreds of passport applications and provided many other consular services. Join the American Citizen Services email list serv to find out when the Embassy will next visit a town near you.

Consul General Holds Live Web Chat at Ynet

On Feb. 16, 2011, Consul General Andrew Parker held a consular-related web chat on one of Israel's most popular online news portals, Ynet.co.il.

Along with Embassy press and consular staff, the Consul General responded to questions on topics ranging from visas and travel to the United States, to post-doctoral study, same-sex marriage and its implications for family travel, and post-army Israelis’ requests for tourist visas.

Check out all the questions and answers at: http://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-1303-6919,00.html.

Consular Section’s Facebook Page Reaches 1,000 Fans!

The Consular Section says a big todah raba to everyone who has liked our Facebook page this year. Thanks to you, our fanbase has increased by 500 percent, and we have reached our goal of more than 1,000 fans!

In 2010, we responded to hundreds of questions on our Facebook page and we look forward to interacting with you in 2011. Become a fan today at: www.facebook.com/ConsularSectionUSEmbassyTelAviv.

Consular Section Visits Kfar Chabad

Consular Section staff visit the “770”
replica of the Lubvavitch headquarters.

Staff from the Embassy’s Consular Section visited Kfar Chabad on Dec. 3, 2010, to learn more about the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Each year, the Consular Section issues visas to thousands of Israelis traveling to visit or study at the Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.

The Consular Section visited the replica of the Lubavitch headquarters “770,” where staff learned about the life of Rebbe Lubavitch. Next, staff visited the Roeber Company for a demonstration of the binding and imprinting of leather torah covers. Staff also learned about the agricultural side of Kfar Chabad by touring the town’s etrog orchards.

The visit concluded with a tour of Ohr Simcha, a home for at-risk children, where staff enjoyed a kosher lunch and discussed the origins and philosophies of chabad with the hosts of the visit, Rabbi Benjamin Lifshitz, mayor of Kfar Chabad, and Rabbi Slavin, director of Ohr Simcha.

To see more photos from the visit, check out our Facebook album.

Vice Consul Speaks to Israeli-Arab Students in Jaffa

On Dec. 1, 2010, a Vice Consul spoke to Israeli-Arab students at the Tabeetha School in Jaffa about student visas and study opportunities in the United States.

In partnership with EducationUSA and the American Corner Jaffa, the program helped explain the college application process and the student visa application process to many students who had never traveled to the U.S. before.

The event responds to Secretary Clinton's recent video message about International Education Week, in which she stressed the importance of promoting study in the United States to underrepresented populations.