B1 work visa for international INGO staff...
INGO international staff may obtain visas based on the status of their organization with local authorities and/or the length of their stay.
Staff of organizations who are registered at the Israeli Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA) may apply for a B1 work visa, provided that they work in Israel/Jerusalem at least 15 hours per week (7 working days per month).
Application process for new staff:
- 1. Prior to the staff’s arrival to the region
The organization must first apply for a recommendation letter from MoLSA by sending the following documents via email to Mr. Benjamin Behar, of the MoLSA International Relations Department (benjaminB@molsa.gov.il):
- Completed letter request from MoLSA(Appendix 1).
- Application form of the department, signed by the head of the organization (Appendix 2).
- Recommendation letter from the INGO Head of Mission.
- The applicant's declaration of his intention to work for 7 days per month in East Jerusalem or Israel, throughout the duration of his visa. Declaration must be signed by the applicant.
- The applicant’s job description.
- Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.
- Proof of health insurance for the duration of stay in the country.
- Photocopy of the first page of your passport (passports must be valid for at least 2 years).
- Dependents of staff members should submit their information to be considered on the same letter.
* Please note that all MoLSA letters are valid for 3 months from their date of issue. You may not enter the country without a valid MoLSA letter as your application for a visa will be rejected.
* It is recommended to apply at least two months in advance for the recommendation letter, but please note that waiting times and procedures for obtaining recommendation letters can be subject to change, and it is advised to contact Tal AVRECH TalA@unops.org for assistance before applying.
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2. Obtaining a visa appointment at the Ministry of Interior (MoI/PIBA)
- Upon receiving the MoLSA letter, organizations should request a work visa appointment for their staff. It is recommended that you request the appointment once you know the arrival date of your new staff member.
- Appointments at MoI/PIBA can only be booked via email: ashrot-jerusalem@piba.gov.il.
- Passport numbers must be provided in the email, as well as an available phone number.
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3. Applying on for a B1 work visa at MoI/PIBA
- Fill in the MoI/PIBA form (Appendix 3). If you are accompanied by family members, you must fill an application form for each person separately.
- Photocopy of the passport- valid for at least 2 years.
- The original MoLSA letter.
- Recommendation letter from the INGO Representative in the country, including the staff’s job description.
- For family members:
- A photocopy of the passports of the accompanying family members must be attached to the application. The passports must be valid for at least 2 years.
- Official documents and public certificates attesting to the connection between the applicant and the family member (birth certificate, marriage certificate, a statement of the nature of the relationship from the country of origin, etc.). All documents must be original, verified and if necessary, translated and signed by a notary.
- In case of an accompanied minor with only one parent (for any reason), the approval of the parent who remains abroad is required. The document must be verified by the signature of a notary and the approval of the Consul in the country of origin; or a given consent by the remaining parent must be presented to the Israeli Consul General at the country of origin.
- Multiple-entry B1 working visa is 360 ILS.
Application process for renewals:
- Apply for a new MoLSA letter at least 2 months before your visa expiration date.
- Book an appointment at MoI/PIBA Jerusalem for staff.
- Staff must be present.
- Multiple-entry B1 working visa is 360 ILS.
MoLSA contact information
- Office: 39 Yirmiyahu Street, Migdaley Habira, Jerusalem 91012
- Letters can be picked-up from the office only if coordinated with Benjamin Behar: benjaminB@molsa.gov.il
MoI/PIBA address and operating hours
- 1 Sholmtzion HaMalka (Downtown Jerusalem)
- Operating hours:
Sun-Tues & Thurs 8:00-12:00.
Mon & Wed: 14:30-17:30 (Not including visas and citizenship related issues).
For your convenience, please find a non-official English version of the MoI/PIBA procedures for INGOs working in the humanitarian and development fields (translated from Hebrew): English translation of MoI/PIBA B1 visa procedure
For additional questions or advice, contact Tal AVRECH TalA@unops.org
B1 work visa for international INGO staff
INGO international staff may obtain visas based on the status of their organization with local authorities and/or the length of their stay.
Staff of organizations who are registered at the Israeli Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA) may apply for a B1 work visa, provided that they work in Israel/Jerusalem at least 15 hours per week (7 working days per month).
Application process for new staff:
As of 1 April 2022, INGOs need to obtain B1 working visas for new international staff and dependents (B2) prior to their arrival .
1- Prior to the staff’s arrival to the region:
Your organization must first apply for a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA) by sending the following documents via email to Mr. Benjamin Behar, of the MoLSA international relations branch (benjaminB@molsa.gov.il).
- Completed letter request from MoLSA (Appendix 1)
- Application form of the department, signed by the head of the organization (Appendix 2)
- Recommendation letter from the INGO Head of Mission.
- The applicant's declaration of his intention to work for 7 days per month in East Jerusalem or Israel, throughout the duration of his visa. Declaration must be signed by the applicant.
- The applicant’s job description.
- Applicant’s Curriculum vitae.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Photocopy of the first page of your passport (passports must be valid for at least 2 years).
- Dependents of staff members should submit their information to be considered on the same letter.
- MoLSA letters are valid for 3 months from their date of issue.
It is recommended to apply at least two months in advance for the recommendation letter, but please note that waiting times and procedures for obtaining recommendation letters can be subject to change, and it is advised to contact Tal AVRECH TalA@unops.org for assistance before applying.
2- Obtaining a visa appointment at the Ministry of Interior (MoI/PIBA)
- Starting April 1 2022, INGOs need to obtain B1 working visas for new international staff and dependents (B2) prior to their arrival.
- Upon receiving the MoLSA letter, organizations should request a work visa appointment for their staff.
- Appointments at MoI/PIBA can only be booked via email: ashrot-jerusalem@piba.gov.il.
- Passport numbers must be provided in the email.
3- Applying on behalf of the staff for a B1 visa at MoI/PIBA
- Only the legal representative of the INGO (in-country) can apply on behalf of the staff.
- Fill in the MoI/PIBA form (Appendix 3). If you are accompanied by family members, you must fill an application form for each person separately.
- Photocopy of the passport- valid for at least 2 years.
- The original MoLSA letter.
- Recommendation letter from the INGO Representative in the country, including the staff’s job description.
- For renewals: staff must be present.
- For family members:
- A photocopy of the passports of the accompanying family members must be attached to the application. The passports must be valid for at least 2 years.
- Official documents and public certificates attesting to the connection between the applicant and the family member (birth certificate, marriage certificate, a statement of the nature of the relationship from the country of origin, etc.). All documents must be original, verified and if necessary, translated and signed by a notary.
- In case of an accompanied minor with only by 1 parent (for any reason), the approval of the parent who remains abroad is required. The document must be verified by the signature of a notary and the approval of the Consul in the country of origin; or a given consent by the remaining parent must be presented to the Israeli Consul General at the country of origin.
- Once the visas are granted, it will be sent to the Israeli Consulate in the country of origin.
- Visa cost is 180 ILS.
4- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Upon receiving confirmation, staff must request a visa appointment with the Israeli Consulate in their country of origin.
- Once staff receive their visas, they can travel to the country.
- Please note that each Consulate has its own protocols. Staff must inquire with the Consulate directly.
If the staff member resides in a country that does not have Israeli representation, please contact the INGO focal point at ACU, Ms. Tal Avrech.
5- Arriving to the country
- Upon arrival to the region, staff should arrange for a visa appointment at the MoI/PIBA branch near Jaffa Street to receive their multiple entry visa.
- Multiple entry visa costs 180 ILS.
Application process for renewals:
- Apply for a new MoLSA letter.
- Book an appointment at MoI/PIBA Jerusalem for staff.
- Staff must be present
- Multiple entry B1 working visa is 360 ILS.
MoLSA contact information:
- Office: 39 Yirmiyahu Street, Migdaley Habira, Jerusalem 91012
- Letters can be picked-up from the office only if coordinated with Benjamin Behar: benjaminB@molsa.gov.il
MoI operating hours::
- 1 Sholmtzion HaMalka (Downtown Jerusalem)
- Operating hours:
Sun-Tues & Thurs 8:00-12:00
Mon & Wed: 14:30-17:30
For additional questions or advice, contact Tal AVRECH TalA@unops.org.