Student Visa

What is a Student Visa, and Why Is it Necessary?

An A/2 (2/א) student visa allows a non-citizen to legally live in Israel as a student. It is valid for up to three years and may be renewed as long as the visa holder remains a full-time student. The spouse and children of student visa holders can receive an A/4 (4/א) visa (accompanying the student), with the same terms.

One who holds a student visa from a Torah institution is eligible for

(National Insurance) after 183 days of residency in Israel.

If one is a foreign student studying in Israel, it is critical to apply for a student visa as soon as possible. In addition to providing legal status in Israel, a student visa is required for eligibility for various benefits.  

Who is Eligible for a Student Visa 
In order to obtain a student visa, one must be a non-Israeli citizen and have proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Israel for at least 40 hours of learning per week.

To obtain an A4 visa, one must provide proof that they are the legal spouse or child of a student visa holder. 

Where To Obtain a Student Visa
To obtain a student visa in Israel, one must apply at the Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim). Certain schools or yeshivos may arrange student visas for their students.

Visa Application Process – First-time and Renewals

The application process is the same whether applying for a first-time visa or for a visa renewal.

However, the process differs depending on who is applying for the visa. 

Single students must apply online, regardless of which city they are in.

All other applicants must apply in person at the Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) in their area.  Check in advance whether an appointment is needed.

In Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, visa applications are submitted via email only (except for single students, who apply using the online form).  See below for details.

Visa for a Single (Unmarried) Student

Single unmarried students applying for a first-time student visa or a renewal are required to apply online only via this link.

The following documents must be uploaded:

• Passport, valid for at least six months 
• Birth certificate (must include both parents’ names)
• Proof of both parents’ birth dates – if not listed on the birth certificate, include copies of both their passports
• Student letter (see here for sample letter) – on their stationary, dated within the last three months, including:
  • Student’s name and passport number
  • Institution’s mispar amutah (organization ID number)
  • Hours and days of study (minimum 40 hours per week)
  • Duration of study (up to three years)
  • Statement that the student is Jewish by birth and both parents’ birth dates
  • If the applicant is a ger, include an official geirus certificate
• Completed visa application form

The new visa will be sent to the student by email within 4-6 weeks. It should be printed and saved with the passport.

Visas for Individuals, Couples and Families

In Jerusalem, as of March 2025, all student visa applications – first-time and renewals – must be submitted by email to: families-yeshiva-jerusalem@piba.gov.il

Email the following documents:

1. Family visa form (even if applying for just one visa). See here for an elucidated version that will assist with completing the original Hebrew form.
   • All names listed on the form must match those on the passports
   • Dates must be in DD/MM/YY format
   • Details of both spouses’ must appear, even when applying for one spouse or for a child
   • Fill out the form in Hebrew
   • Form must be signed by both spouses
   • When applying only for a spouse or child(ren), write in the margin outside the chart who is applying for the visa.
2. Copies of passports (the photo page) of all applicants (the student’s passport must be valid for at least 6 more months)  
   • When applying for a child, include passports and visas of both parents and the child
   • When applying for the spouse of the student, include the student’s passport and visa
3. Expired passports if a new passport was issued
4. Marriage certificate or Israeli ishur nisuin (see here for more information). This should be included even for child visa applications.
5. Birth certificates of all applicants (must include both parents’ names)
   Note: If born in Israel, provide the birth certificate from The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim), NOT a foreign report of birth abroad.
6. Proof of applicants’ parents’ birth dates (e.g., copies of parents’ passports) if not on applicants’ birth certificates
7. When the student is one of the applicants: Letter from the student’s school or yeshiva, typed on official stationery with a logo, stating that the applicant is a student there. It must be dated within the last three months. It must include:
   • Student’s name and passport number
   • Institution’s mispar amutah (organization ID number)
   • Hours and days of study (minimum 40 hours per week)
   • Duration of study (up to three years)
   • Statement that the student is Jewish by birth and both parents’ birth dates
   • If the applicant is a ger, include an official geirus certificate

For a template of an acceptable yeshiva letter, see here.

Applications missing documents will not be processed.  

Processed visas will be sent by email to the applicant in PDF format (from pnim@interior.gov.il) within approximately three weeks. They should be printed and saved with the passport. Do NOT paste the printed visa into your passport. Please note that visas are no longer issued as stickers.

Permission to Work

A/2 and A/4 visas are issued with “not permitted to work” unless work permission is specifically requested. To obtain permission to work, one must go in person to the Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) and request that the visa include rashai la’avod (“permitted to work”). 

In Jerusalem, no appointment is needed. Applicants can come Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 8 – 10 am. The visa department is located in the Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) on Shlomzion Hamalka 1 (off of Rechov Yaffo).

For information on branches in cities other than Jerusalem, please see here or email support@chaimvchessed.com for assistance. 

Required documents 

Bring all visa documents listed above plus: 

1. Criminal background check from the applicant’s place of origin (obtained within the last 6 months).  If this document is not in English, it must be translated by a notary.
   Tip: To obtain a background check from the US or Canada: Contact Nefesh B’Nefesh at fingerprinting@nbn.org.il (fingerprints only for Canada) who can provide this service for a fee.
   Note: Background checks from the UK must be ACRO, not DBS.
   See here for more information on obtaining a background check.
   Note: The background check does not need to have an apostille verification.
2. An original letter from a recognized rabbi abroad of a congregation or institution stating the applicant is “Jewish by birth”.
   • Must be on official stationery showing rabbi’s name as the head of the institution
   • Must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, passport number, and parents’ names and birth dates 
   • Must state how the rabbi is familiar with the applicant
   • Must be hand signed by the rabbi
   • Yeshiva letters are not sufficient for this purpose
   • If the applicant is a ger, include an official geirus certificate.
3. If the student himself is applying for permission to work: The letter from the yeshiva or school (see above) must state that the student may work outside their study hours.  
   See here for a template of this letter.
4. Optional: Letter from a prospective employer (on official stationery) stating intent to hire, including company name and ID number, your name and passport number, and employer’s original signature.

Processing time is currently about one month. The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) should contact the applicant when the visa has been issued.

Important Information After Visa Renewal

Visa Expiration & Bituach Leumi

When a visa expires, Bituach Leumi benefits (including health insurance and monetary grants) are lost. As visa expiration approaches, one may receive a warning letter that Bituach Leumi membership will soon be canceled. Bituach Leumi generally gives a 45 day grace period after visa expiration before stopping benefits. 

Most children’s passports last for a maximum of five years. Their passports must be renewed early enough to allow for time to get a new visa before – or soon after – the first one expires. Without a new visa, they will be without health insurance.

How to Update Bituach Leumi with a New Visa

After renewing a visa, the visa holder must inform Bituach Leumi. They will not be notified automatically by The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) and if one’s previous visa has expired they risk losing Bituach Leumi. 

Submit a copy of the visa, and if relevant a copy of the new passport, on the same page. The copy should be labeled with the individual’s 77 number and the words  לצורך חידוש קופת חולים. Submit the document using one of two methods:

1. Fax it to 026755416
2. Online: From the העלאת מסמכים section of one’s Bituach Leumi online account.
   To submit online, choose:
   נושא: ביטוח וגבייה
   קטגורייה: פרטים אישיים
   מסמך: מסמכים מזהים

In either case, follow up with a query (פנייה) from your online account to confirm receipt and processing.

To create a Bituach Leumi online account, follow the instructions here.

Visa Expiration & Water Bills

When a visa expires, the water rate is automatically reset to a default two-person household. This cannot be changed retroactively.

Update the water company each time a visa is renewed.

See here for registering the number of household members. 

Visa Expiration & Misrad Harishui

An Israeli driver’s license is only valid when the visa is valid. However, there is no need to update Misrad Harishui when renewing a visa. 

If one received a tax exemption on a new car, update Meches with a copy of the new visa and confirm it was processed. 

Visa Expiration & Other Legal Matters

If one received an Arnona discount only until a certain date due to their visa’s expiration, submit the renewed visa to continue the discount for the remainder of the year. 

Update any other relevant offices, such as datot and schools, with the new visa.