Israel Dependent Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Known officially as the A4 visa Israel, this permit lets spouses and children of an Israeli A2 or A3 visa holder enter the country. The A2 permit is issued for study purposes and the A3 permit is granted to clergymen entering the country for clerical duties. The dependent permit allows the dependents to stay in the country as long as their primary visa holders.

In order to be able to apply for the dependent permit, you will have to meet certain eligibility criteria as required by the embassy. These include - 

• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months (9 months is recommended) from the date of travel. 
• Your passport must contain at least 2 blank pages, and it must not be older than 10 years
• For Israel dependent visa for spouse, the spouse must be above the legal age for marriage.
• In the case the dependent is a child, they must a minor.
• The A2 or A3 visa holder must possess enough financial means to support their dependents.
• You must possess valid travel insurance.

The application for the dependent visa for Israel from India can be done quite easily. Although, it is suggested to apply through a reputed travel agent as the requirements and documents may be complicated. The application process can be mentioned in the following steps.

1. Visit the website of the Israel Visa Application Center (VAC).
2. Fill in the visa application form online with all your details and submit it.
3. Do not fill it by hand. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
4. Proceed to book an appointment for the application submission at one of the VACs, as per the jurisdiction.
5. Visit the respective VAC to submit the application form, fees, and the documents.

Ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide correct information. Providing false and misleading information can lead to visa rejection.

As per the a4 Israel visa requirements, the following are the list of documents you will need to obtain the permit.

1. A valid passport.
2. 2 photos as per the specifications.
3. Invitation letter from the institute/university of the A2/A3 visa holder.
4. Copy of the respective A2/A3 visa.
5. Travel insurance.
6. Adhaar card copy.
7. Flight bookings (not confirmed tickets).

The photos to be submitted for the application must meet the following specifications.

• Dimensions:  55mm X 55mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• Must have 80% face coverage
• The facial expression must be neutral
• Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open. 
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The validity and stay duration of the A4 permit will depend on that of the respective A2/A3 visa holder. This means that you will be able to stay in the country as long as your family member in Israel stays.

The processing time for the dependent permit is generally short. In most cases, it will be processed within 5 working days. However, this can depend on a number of factors such as the volume of applications, staff availability, and so on. You can also choose a fast track processing option, for an additional fee.

The total cost of the visa includes administrative/processing charges, and other service fees levied by the VAC. You will also have to pay additional charges if you chose a fast track processing option. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your application, your application will begin processing. Your application is first sent to the embassy for processing, as per the jurisdiction. The VAC has no authority over the decision-making aspect of the application. Upon approval, you can collect the passport from the VAC or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge.

You can check the status of your application by visiting the website of the Israeli VAC. You will then have to choose the jurisdiction. Following this, you can use the portal to enter your date of birth, and passport number or reference number.

Upon receiving your dependent permit, there are a few things you must keep in mind to ensure that you do not face any difficulties with the trip. 

• Before you travel  
  1. Note the validity and stay duration mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
  2. Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

• At the border
  1. You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
  2. You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  3. You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without hesitance. 
  4. The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. You could still be refused entry if you do not meet the requirements.  

• When you enter Israel.
  1. You are not allowed to work while you are in this category. 
  2. You cannot stay longer than your primary visa holder. Your stay can only be as long as the respective A2/A3 visa. 
  3. You may be able to extend the visa under certain conditions, depending on the extension of the A2/A3 holder.
  4. You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.