Chaim V'Chessed

Permission to Work on an A-Category Visa

Published on May 19, 2026 Print this guide

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”. 

Note

Permission to work should not be confused with a “work visa,” which is a B-category (B/1) visa issued for the purpose of employment. They are generally granted to individuals who are not eligible for citizenship or residency under the Law of Return and who work as aids for elderly individuals or people with disabilities.  Holders of B/1 “work visas” are not eligible for health insurance through Bituach Leumi whereas eligibleCertain A category visa holders such as temporary residents with A1 visas, students of Torah learning institutions with A2 visas and their families with A4 visas are eligible for Bituach Leumi. A/2 or A/4 visa holders (from a Torah institution) can apply for Bituach LeumiBituach Leumi is Israel’s national insurance institute that provides insurance and social security benefits to residents of Israel. Members of Bituach Leumi access healthcare services through one of the 4 health funds/ networks called Kupot Cholim. regardless of whether they have permission 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 [email protected] for assistance. 

Note

Permission to work must always be requested in person – even for renewals. When applying for an entire family’s visas via email, all visas will be issued without permission to work.  The individual requiring permission to work must then appear in person at Misrad Hapnim with all relevant documents to have the visa reissued with “permission to work”.

Note

When renewing a visa that previously included permission to work, this must be specifically requested again at the time of renewal. It is not automatic.

Required documentation 

Standard visa documents (originals plus copies): 

  1. Valid foreign passport of applicant. A/4 visa holders must also bring 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: 

  1. 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 [email protected] (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.
  2. 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 personally 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
  3. If the applicant is a ger, submit an official geirus certificate.
  4. 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
  5. 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
Tip

One must bring both originals and copies of all documents.

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

Note

Whenever a member of Bituach Leumi updates their visa, they must also update Bituach Leumi and any other relevant offices. Please see here for more information.