Permission to Work on an A-Category Visa

A/2 and A/4 visas will state “not permitted to work” unless permission is requested. If either spouse would like permission to work, they must go in person to The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) and request that their visa be stamped rashai la’avod – “permitted to work”. 

Requesting Permission to Work

In Jerusalem, an appointment is not required at this time. Applicants may appear Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 8- 10 am. 

For information on branches outside of Jerusalem, please see here or email support@chaimvchessed.com for assistance. 

Required documentation 

Standard visa documents: 

1. Passport (A/4 visa holders will also need the passport of the A/2 visa holder/student they are accompanying) 
2.  Expired passports containing previous visas , if applicable
3. Original marriage certificate or an Israeli ishur nisuin. (see here for more information)
4. Applicant’s original birth certificate
5. Proof of parents’ birthdates (e.g., copies of parents’ passports, if birthdates are not listed on applicant’s birth certificate)
6. Application for visa extension (visa form AS/3). Make sure the dates on the form are entered in the format DD/MM/YY. Form is also available at The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) 

Additional documents: 

7. Criminal background check obtained within the last 6 months from the applicant’s country of origin.  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 (Canada: fingerprints only) 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 an apostille.
8. An original letter from a recognized rabbi abroad, written on official letterhead, stating that the applicant is Jewish by birth.
   • The rabbi must be listed as the head of the congregation or institution
   • The letter should detail how the rabbi is familiar with the applicant
   • The letter must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, parents’ names and birthdates 
   • Having this statement included on a yeshiva letter is not sufficient for this purpose
9. If the applicant is a ger, submit an official geirus certificate.
10. If the student him/herself is applying for permission to work:
    • Original letter from the student’s school or yeshiva, typed on official school stationery with a logo
    • The letter should include:
      • Student’s name and passport number
      • The institution’s mispar amutah (organization ID number)
      • Days and hours of study
      • How long the student intends to study there
      • Statement that the student is Jewish by birth and includes both parents’ birthdates
      • Statement that the student is permitted to work outside their study hours
    • If the applicant is a ger, include a geirus certificate
    • The letter must be no more than three months old at the time of application 
    • See here for a template of this letter
11. Optional: Letter from a prospective employer
    • Must be written on official stationery
    • Should include:
      • Company name and ID number
      • Applicant’s name and passport number
      • Original signature of the employer
    • This letter is not required to apply

Current processing time for permission to work is approximately one month, after which The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) should contact the applicant to pick up the visa.