The Interior Ministry in Jerusalem has announced a significant change in the student visa application process, moving almost all applications to be handled via email.
Until now, family applications for student visas with four or more members were processed through email, while others could be submitted in person at the Interior Ministry. Under the new policy, the vast majority of student visa applications and renewals will now be accepted exclusively by email, eliminating the need for applicants to visit the office in person.
In-person applications will only be accepted in urgent cases, and applicants must provide proof of the urgency. To accommodate the increased volume of email applications, the Interior Ministry is adding more staff to ensure efficient processing. Officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that their target is to issue all visas within three weeks of submission.
For more information about visa applications and renewals in Israel, see here. Chaim V’Chessed officials expressed optimism that this change will streamline the process and ease the burden for applicants.