Israel A/2 student visa: eligibility, documents and steps

PIBA issues student visas to students of any institution recognised by the Council for Higher Education, of the Volcani Centre agricultural research study programme and of the BA in business administration at the China-Israel Institute. Israeli missions also accept applications from yeshiva students. Short non-academic courses of up to 90 days do not need an A/2: visa-exempt nationals use ETA-IL and others a B/2.

The mission checklist includes the completed and signed student visa application, a 5 x 5 cm photo on white background, a passport valid for the visa period, the letter of acceptance, proof that tuition has been paid, a bank statement printout covering at least three months, a birth certificate (no apostille needed), medical insurance, proof of your residence in Israel and copies of your parents' passports.

If the acceptance letter says another person will accompany the student, that person's details and passport number must be given. For applicants under 18, both parents sign before a consular officer.

Send the signed form and supporting documents by email to the Israeli mission in your country of residence, then appear in person at an appointment. The fee follows the consular fee chart. Inside Israel, the application can also be filed in person at a local PIBA office, where payment is made in cash or by card.

The visa can be issued for up to a year. To extend it for another year you apply at PIBA in Israel and add your grades sheet to the usual documents. PIBA's general residence extension service asks, among other things, for confirmation of registration with a health fund (Kupat Holim) and confirmation from the institution.

Family members of a student can request a stay permit through PIBA's service for relatives of students and clergy. They apply separately; the student's visa does not cover them automatically.