The spouse and children of a student receive A4 visas and are described as nilva'im l'student, accompanying the student. Their visas are valid as long as the student's, unless their passports expire before then.

For a Spouse

When applying for a first-time visa, adult A4 applicants must be present at Misrad Hapnim. For renewals, either spouse can go. Confirm visa department hours before your trip.

Wait on line at the visa department. When it is your turn, submit the following documents. You should receive the visa on the spot.

1. Passports of student (with valid visa) and spouse
2. Marriage certificate with apostille verification from your country of origin (or a maaseh beit din from the Rabbanut). For renewals, apostille or maaseh beit din may not be required. See our guide to Legalizing Documents for further information.
3. Birth certificate
4. Two current Israeli-size passport pictures of applicant
5. 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 available online, at Misrad Hapnim, or at Chaim V'Chessed.
6. For renewal: expired passport with visa inside

For a Child

To obtain or renew a visa for your child, one parent should go to the visa department of Misrad Hapnim during visa hours. The child is not required to come. Present the documents below. You should receive the child's visa on the spot.

If you are renewing your entire family's visas and would like to add the child at this time, simply bring these documents along.

1. Passports of both parents and the child
2. Birth certificate as proof of relationship between child and student
3. 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 available online, at Misrad Hapnim, or at Chaim V'Chessed.
4. For child over age 16: two current Israeli-size passport pictures
5. For renewal: expired passport with visa inside

Visa Expiration & Bituach Leumi

Your visa is your ticket to being recognized as a legal resident of Israel. When your visa expires, you lose your rights to all the benefits that come along with being a resident of Israel - including Bituach Leumi.

When your visa, or one of your children's visas, nears expiration, you will probably get a warning letter from Bituach Leumi saying that you will be kicked off soon. Even if the letter does not come, though, Bituach Leumi benefits - both health insurance and monetary grants - will be cut off soon after visa expiration. After a short grace period, access to kupat cholim services is also cut off.

As difficult as it may be, stay on top of your family's visas. Visas can be renewed around two months before they expire. Don't wait until the last minute! Most children's passports, and therefore visas, last for a maximum of 5 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.

After renewing your visas, you must update Bituach Leumi. They will not be notified automatically. Make a copy of each new visa and label each one with the corresponding Bituach Leumi number. Bring the originals and copies to Bituach Leumi and they will update your file.

If it has been a significant amount of time since your visas expired, you may be required to bring dapei knisot v'yetziot to Bituach Leumi in addition to your renewed visas.