State of Israel · study
A/2 Student Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Temporary stay permit for students enrolled at Israeli schools, academic institutions, yeshivas or recognised youth institutions. Holders may not work in Israel.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - varies by institution and applicant circumstances. Confirm current timelines with PIBA or the relevant Israeli mission.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a visa fee applies and is set by PIBA. Verify the current amount on the official gov.il service page.
- Typical duration
- Up to one year, renewable for the duration of the course of study; verify on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the A/2 Student Visa for State of Israel is a sponsor-led Israel immigration route. Sources: official State of Israel government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/israel/a2-student-visa#answer
What is the A/2 Student Visa in State of Israel?
A/2 Student Visa is a sponsor-led Israel route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - a visa fee applies and is set by PIBA. Verify the current amount on the official gov.il service page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - varies by institution and applicant circumstances. Confirm current timelines with PIBA or the relevant Israeli mission; typical duration is Up to one year, renewable for the duration of the course of study; verify on the official page. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Population and Immigration Authority on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The A/2 visa is the entry and stay permit for foreign nationals coming to study in Israel - at elementary and high schools, academic institutions, yeshivas, and Jewish Agency youth institutions. Applicants download and complete the visa application form and submit it in person, with the required documents, to a local Population and Immigration Authority office or an Israeli mission abroad. The visa can be granted for up to one year, allows multiple entries and exits, and is renewable for the duration of studies. A/2 holders are not permitted to work in Israel. The visa is temporary and does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance or enrolment at a recognised Israeli educational institution, academic institution, yeshiva or youth institution.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ✓Submission of the completed visa application form in person to a PIBA office or Israeli mission.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ✓A valid passport with sufficient validity.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ✓Provision of the documents required by PIBA for the student category.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
Common blockers
- !No confirmed place at a recognised institution.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- !Seeking to work in Israel - the A/2 visa does not permit employment.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- !Incomplete application or missing required documents.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ·Completed A/2 visa application form.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ·Letter of acceptance or enrolment from the institution.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
- ·Passport photographs to specification.Population and Immigration Authority ↗
Application pathway
Secure a place
Obtain acceptance or enrolment confirmation from a recognised Israeli school, academic institution, yeshiva or youth institution.
Complete the application
Download, print and complete the A/2 student visa application form.
Submit in person
Submit the form with the required documents in person to a local PIBA office or an Israeli mission abroad.
Receive and renew the A/2 permit
Receive the A/2 temporary stay permit (up to one year, multiple entry) and renew it for the duration of your studies as needed.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official A/2 Student Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for A/2 Student Visa.
Population and Immigration Authority · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Israel on an A/2 student visa?+
No. Holders of the A/2 student visa are not permitted to work in Israel. The visa is granted solely for the purpose of study at the recognised institution. If you need to work, a different permit is required.
How long is the A/2 student visa valid?+
The A/2 visa can be granted for up to one year and allows multiple entries and exits. It can be renewed for the duration of your studies. Confirm current validity and renewal procedures with the Population and Immigration Authority.
Does studying in Israel on an A/2 student visa lead to permanent residence or citizenship?+
No. The A/2 student visa is temporary and does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship; it is granted for up to a year and renewable for the duration of your studies. Settlement in Israel is generally reached through other routes such as Aliyah under the Law of Return or a marriage-based graduated procedure.
I'm graduating on an A/2 student visa — how do I switch to working in Israel?+
The A/2 student visa does not permit employment, so a different permit is required to work. The main skilled-work route is the B/1 expert work visa, which is employer-sponsored: an Israeli employer must first obtain a permit from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) before the visa can be issued. Confirm the current process on the official PIBA page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in IsraelHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Population and Immigration Authority
Last checked: 1 June 2026