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Welcome to Visa Departament Cohen Group
This page explains how to obtain a B1 work visa for employment in Israel and what documents you need to prepare.
Follow the step-by-step guide below:
Learn about the visa application process
Understand how the B1 work visa process works, step by step — from signing your employment contract to arriving in Israel.
Prepare your required documents
Review the full list of documents you need for your visa application.
Make sure all papers are translated into English and notarized where required.
Send your completed visa form and scanned documents online or by email to the Cohen Group Visa Department for verification.
Get clear answers to the most common questions about the B1 Work Visa process.
Contact the Cohen Group Visa Department directly for a consultation or to check the status of your application.
How does the process of issuing a B1 work visa work:
Step 1. Receiving and Signing the Originals of the Employment Contract and the Job Offer Letter
The candidate receives two original copies of the Employment Contract and the Job Offer Letter. After reviewing the terms, one copy of the Employment Contract and the Offer Letter must be signed.
Step 2. Preparation of Documents for Visa Application
Prepare the necessary personal documents and fill out the visa application form.
Afterward, send the complete package of documents to the Cohen Group Visa Department for review and verification.
The current list of required documents is provided below.
Step 3. Verification and Validation of the Candidate's Documents
Specialists from the Cohen Group Visa Department verify and validate the documents submitted by the candidate.
After your documents are confirmed in accordance with the established requirements, the candidate's visa application is registered with the Department of Immigration and Population Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel.
Step 4. Conducting a Video Interview with the Candidate
An authorized specialist from the Cohen Group Visa Department conducts an individual video interview with the candidate as part of the B1 work visa application process.
During the interview, the applicant's identity, the veracity of the provided data, and readiness for employment in Israel are confirmed.
The interview results are sent to the Department of Immigration and Population Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel for further review of the application.
Step 5. Issuance and Granting of the B1 Work Visa
The candidate is issued an electronic work visa (E-Visa B1) for entry into Israel for the purpose of official employment.The visa's validity period is 30 calendar days from the moment of its issuance. In separate cases, by individual decision of the Israeli authorities, the candidate may be required to personally visit the Israeli Visa Center for an additional interview with a visa specialist and to have the visa affixed into their passport.After receiving the visa, the candidate is obliged to coordinate the date of arrival in Israel with a representative of the Cohen Group for the organization of a meeting and further support.
Step 6. Preparation for Arrival in Israel
Prepare for your trip and ensure that all necessary documents and belongings are gathered in advance.
● Purchase an airline ticket for the agreed-upon arrival date in Israel. ● Inform your Cohen Group coordinator of the date and time of arrival. ● Check for the presence of all necessary documents according to the checklist. ● Prepare personal belongings, clothing, and essential medication for the initial period of stay in Israel.
Checklist of Mandatory Documents to be Provided by the Candidate for the B1 Work Visa Application:
For Citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia
1. Original employment contract with Cohen Group, signed by the candidate. The candidate's signature on the employment contract must be notarized.
2. Signed Offer Letter.
3. Visa application form, correctly completed and signed by the applicant in accordance with the established requirements.
4. Passport, valid for at least 12 months on the date of application.
5. Additional documents to be submitted: 5.1. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), issued by the regional passport office of your country. Valid for 6 months from the date of issue. 5.2. Affidavit with full details of all family members. 5.3. Birth Certificate or School Leaving Certificate. 5.4. Marriage, divorce, or spouse's death certificate — if applicable.
6. If the candidate has previously worked outside their country for more than 6 months (180 days), a copy of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued in the country of previous employment must be provided.
7. If the candidate is married, the name and surname of the spouse must be indicated in the passport, and corresponding changes to the candidate's surname must be made (if necessary).
8. Medical certificate with test results for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, C. The medical certificate is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of issue.
The Visa Department reserves the right to request additional documents on an individual basis.For citizens of Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Benin and other African countries
1. Original employment contract with Cohen Group, signed by the candidate. The candidate's signature on the employment contract must be notarized.
2. Signed Offer Letter.
3. Visa application form, correctly completed and signed by the applicant in accordance with the established requirements.
4. Passport, valid for at least 12 months on the date of application.
5. Birth Certificate.
6. Marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or spouse's death certificate — if applicable.
7. Parents' Passports (National ID Card). If parents are deceased - Death Certificate.
8. Police Clearance Certificate, valid for six months.
9. If the candidate has previously worked outside their country for more than 6 months (180 days), a copy of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued in the country of previous employment must be provided.
10. Medical certificate with test results for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, C. The medical certificate is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of issue.
The Visa Department reserves the right to request additional documents on an individual basis.
Requirements for Preparing and Submitting Documents for a B1 Work Visa Application:
1. General Requirements
All documents submitted by the candidate for the B1 work visa must be in English.
If the original documents are issued in another language (for example, Hindi, Tagalog, Nepali, etc.), the candidate must translate all documents into English through an accredited translation agency.
Each translation must be notarized and, if required, apostilled in accordance with the laws of the applicant’s country.
2. Medical Certificate
The candidate must provide a medical certificate with test results for the following:● HIV / AIDS ● Syphilis ● Hepatitis A, B, and C
The certificate can be issued by any licensed medical clinic.
Validity period of the certificate: 30 calendar days from the date of issue.
3. Document Submission
The complete set of documents must be submitted electronically (as scanned copies).Files must be in PDF or JPEG format, high quality, with clear images of text, stamps, and signatures.
❌ The following are not accepted:● blurry or illegible scans; ● photos with glare or shadows; ● cropped pages; ● expired or outdated documents.
All documents must be valid and up to date at the time of submission.
4. File Preparation Guidelines
● Each file must be clearly named in English, for example: Passport.pdf, MedicalCertificate.pdf, PCC.pdf● All pages of multi-page documents (e.g., passport) must be combined into a single file.● Ensure all files are clear and legible before submission.
5. Visa Application Form
The visa application form must be completed:● on a computer (electronically), or● by hand, using clear block letters.
Incomplete or illegible forms will not be accepted for processing.
6. Important Notes
● All documents that require the candidate’s signature must be signed in blue ink. ● By submitting the documents, the candidate confirms the accuracy of all provided information. ● Any inconsistencies, missing documents, or invalid copies may result in delays or refusal of the visa by the Israeli Consular Service.
How to Submit Your Documents for a B1 Work Visa:
Send Your Documents by Email:
You can send all documents to the official Cohen Group visa department email address:📧 .gro.puorgnehoc%40rhil
When sending an email, please ensure your full name is included in the subject line, for example:Subject: John Smith – B1 Visa Documents
After the initial review, visa department specialists may request additional information or updated copies of documents if necessary.
Please fill out the form below to submit your visa documents online:
Attach all required files and ensure that your information is accurate before sending.
Contact Visa Department:
You can contact our Visa Department specialists for any questions regarding your documents or visa process
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B1 Work Visa?
The B1 Work Visa is a document that grants a foreign citizen the right to be officially employed in Israel. The visa can be issued either in electronic format (e-Visa) or as a sticker placed in the passport.
What is an Electronic B1 Work Visa?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) is a system introduced by the Population and Immigration Authority of the State of Israel in accordance with the Entry into Israel Law, 1952 and the Foreign Workers Regulations, 2006.This system allows foreign citizens who have received an official job offer in Israel to enter the country through a simplified procedure for the purpose of legal employment.The Electronic Work Visa (e-Visa, ETA-IL) is valid only if the applicant possesses:● An original employment contract from an Israeli employer;● A work permit issued by the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
The validity period of the electronic authorization is up to 30 calendar days from the date of issuance.This means that the candidate must enter Israel and commence employment within the specified time frame.Is it possible to apply for a work visa independently through the Israeli Visa Center in my home country?
Independent Application for a B1 Work Visa through the Israeli Visa Center
In accordance with the Entry into Israel Law, 1952, the Foreign Workers Law, 1991, and the Foreign Workers Regulations, 2006, each candidate has the right to independently apply for a B1 Work Visa at the Israeli Visa Center located in their home country.
Procedure for Independent Visa Application:
1. Sign the original employment contract in the presence of a notary and send it to the Cohen Group Visa Department at li.gro.puorgnehoc%40rh
2. In your email, indicate that you are applying for the visa independently through the visa center.
3. Receive a reply from the Visa Department specifying your intended arrival period in Israel.
4. Within up to 30 working days, your work permit, issued by the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior, will be transferred to the visa center in your country.
5. Wait for a notification (SMS or email) from the visa center regarding the date and time of the required medical examination.
6. Receive a message with the appointment date for document submission and interview at the visa center.
7. After successfully completing all stages — receive your B1 Work Visa.8. Inform your Cohen Group coordinator of your arrival date in Israel within the specified period mentioned above.Where can I find information about the procedure for obtaining a work visa and the list of required documents?
The main information regarding the issuance of a B1 Work Visa is provided on this page of the Cohen Group Visa Department.
All requirements related to the issuance of a work visa are established in accordance with the current legislation of the State of Israel concerning the employment of foreign workers, including the Foreign Workers Law, 1991 and the Entry into Israel Law, 1952, and fully comply with the requirements of the Israeli Visa Centers.How quickly can I obtain a B1 Work Visa?
Processing Time for a B1 Work Visa (e-Visa)
The issuance of a B1 work visa is carried out within the timeframes established by law and regulated by the Entry into Israel Law, 1952 and the Foreign Workers Regulations, 2006.● The B1 work visa (e-Visa) is issued within up to 30 working days from the date the candidate submits all properly completed documents and successfully passes the interview. ● The Cohen Group Visa Department reserves the right to request additional documents or information necessary for verification, which may extend the processing time. ● The total processing period for issuing a work visa cannot exceed 90 calendar days from the date the candidate submits the full set of documents and they are registered with the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior.Is the presence of original documents from the employer mandatory when applying for a work visa?
Submission of Original Documents When Applying for a B1 Work Visa
In accordance with the Entry into Israel Law, 1952, the Foreign Workers Law, 1991, and the Foreign Workers Regulations, 2006, a foreign worker is required to submit to the visa center the original employment contract and the invitation letter from the employer.
When applying for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to enter the State of Israel, it is mandatory to present the original employment contract—signed by both the employer and the employee—at the border control.
Under Israeli law, the employee’s signature on the employment contract must be notarized.Do you provide consulting services for the preparation of documents required to obtain a work visa?
Cohen Group provides candidates with detailed instructions and a list of required documents for the proper preparation and subsequent submission of a B1 Work Visa application.
At the same time, Cohen Group does not provide migration consulting services, and does not complete or prepare visa application documents on behalf of candidates for submission to visa centers.
In accordance with the requirements of the current legislation of the State of Israel, Cohen Group does not hold an official license or authorization to provide migration services related to the preparation of visa documents.
If you are unable to independently prepare the required set of documents or correctly complete the visa application form, it is recommended to contact licensed migration or visa consultants in your country.How much time is given to the candidate to prepare the complete set of documents for the visa?
In accordance with the established regulations, the candidate is granted 60 calendar days from the date of receiving the original documents from Cohen Group to prepare the complete set of required documents on their side.
The total preparation period may not exceed 100 calendar days from the date the documents were sent by Cohen Group.
It is recommended that the candidate begin preparing the documents in advance, verify the availability of all required papers, and, if necessary, initiate the issuance or replacement of any missing documents.How long does it take to receive a response after submitting documents to the Visa Department?
The standard processing time for documents submitted by a candidate to the Visa Department of Cohen Group is up to 5 working days from the date of receipt.
What should I do if I submitted my documents to the Visa Department and have not received a response for more than 7 days?
It is possible that your message was accidentally filtered into the Spam folder or was not delivered due to technical reasons.
If you have not received a response within 7 working days, please contact the specialists of the Cohen Group Visa Department using any convenient communication method.
When contacting, please provide:● your first and last name;● your phone number; ● and mention that you sent your documents but have not received a response.How should I correctly complete the visa application form?
The candidate application form must be completed strictly in accordance with the passport details and the information provided in the documents from the employer, Cohen Group.
Please follow these rules when completing the form:
1. Carefully enter all information — it must fully correspond to your official documents.
2. The form may be completed on a computer or by hand, clearly written in block letters using blue ink.
3. The candidate’s signature must be made in blue ink only.
4. Corrections, erasures, or handwritten additions are not permitted — in case of an error, a new form must be completed.What address should I indicate in the application form as my address in Israel?
In the section “Address in Israel,” please specify the official address of Cohen Group:
3 Motta Gur Street, Akko, Israel 2426405What should I do if I don’t have parents or if they are deceased?
If you are an orphan, you must provide an official document confirming this status.
In the event that one or both parents are deceased, you are required to submit the death certificate of the respective parent(s).What should I do if my parents do not have passports?
If your parents do not have international passports, you must provide their national identification cards.
What should I do if I don’t have a birth certificate?
If you do not have a birth certificate, you may provide a school graduation certificate as a supporting document.
In which cases is it necessary to have documents certified with an Apostille stamp?
If your documents are issued in a language other than English or Hebrew, they must be translated into English, and the translation must be certified with an Apostille stamp in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1961.
If the original documents are already issued in English, an Apostille certification is not required, except in cases of an individual request from the competent authorities of Israel.What does it mean to notarize the candidate’s signature on the employment contract?
The candidate is required to have their signature on the employment contract notarized.
This means that the employment contract must be signed by the candidate personally in the presence of a notary public, who confirms that the individual named in the contract is the one who has actually signed the document.
Thus, the notary verifies the authenticity of the signature and confirms the identity of the signer, which is a mandatory requirement for the employment contract to be considered valid when applying for a work visa.If all my official documents are issued in English, is translation or certification required?
If your documents are issued in English, it is sufficient to provide copies of these documents — no certification of the copies is required.
However, if the submitted copies raise doubts about their authenticity or quality, the Cohen Group Visa Department may issue an individual request asking you to provide a certified copy of the relevant document, either notarized or bearing an Apostille stamp.If all my official documents are issued in French, Hindi, or another language, is translation and certification required?
Requirements for Documents Issued in Foreign Languages
If your documents are issued in French, Hindi, or any other language different from English or Hebrew, you must provide copies of the documents translated into English.
The translation must be notarized and/or certified with an Apostille stamp in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1961.
Documents that must be certified with an Apostille stamp:● Police clearance certificate; ● Educational document (diploma, certificate, or school transcript).
All other documents may be notarized without the need for an Apostille stamp.Why was my application rejected after I submitted my documents?
Most Common Reasons for Rejection of Visa Application Documents
1. Incorrect or illegible application form.
The application form must be completed correctly and clearly. After making the necessary corrections, please resubmit the full set of documents.
2. Incomplete document package.
Verify that all required documents have been prepared in accordance with the established requirements, and resubmit the complete package.
3. Mismatch of candidate information.
The information in the candidate’s passport does not match the details in the employment contract.
In this case, it is necessary to reissue all documents and update the candidate’s information with the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
4. Expired processing period.
The employment contract is no longer valid because the document package was not submitted within the required timeframe.
It is necessary to update the documents and resubmit them to restart the process.How many times am I allowed to resubmit my documents for a work visa if my application was rejected?
In accordance with the established regulations, a candidate has the right to submit visa application documents up to three times free of charge.
If within these three attempts the candidate submits an incomplete or incorrectly prepared set of documents, the application will be annulled, and any further submission will only be possible after re-registration and preparation of a new document package.Will there be an interview required to obtain a visa?
When applying for an electronic visa (e-Visa), interviews are conducted selectively with certain candidates. In such cases, a video interview is held via Google Meet.
When applying for a visa through the Israeli Visa Center (Consulate), an interview is mandatory for every candidate.
Main topics of the interview:
1. Information about the employment contract;
2. Candidate’s knowledge of their job responsibilities;
3. Work experience in other countries;
4. Additional questions at the discretion of the visa officer.Who is responsible for paying the visa processing and application fee?
All administrative expenses related to the preparation of documents and visa processing at the Israeli Visa Center, including the visa fee, are paid by the candidate.
In the case of obtaining an electronic visa (e-Visa), the visa fee is paid by Cohen Group.Is a medical examination required to obtain a visa?
Under the visa application process, undergoing a medical examination is a mandatory requirement before obtaining a work visa.
1. For Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Applicants
The candidate must provide test results for:● HIV/AIDS;● Syphilis;● Hepatitis A,B,C;● Tuberculosis;● as well as a medical certificate from a general practitioner confirming overall health status (may be obtained from any certified clinic).
Upon arrival in Israel, the candidate will be required to undergo a repeat medical examination in Israel to verify the submitted test results.
2. For Applicants Through the Israeli Visa Center
The candidate will be referred to an accredited medical center designated by the visa center in their country of residence to undergo a full medical examination required for visa issuance.
The referral for the medical examination will be provided to the candidate after submitting their visa application documents to the Israeli Visa Center in their country.How soon can I travel to Israel after receiving my B1 Work Visa?
After obtaining a B1 Work Visa, the employee is required to enter the State of Israel for employment within 30 calendar days from the date the visa was issued.
For what period is the B1 Work Visa issued?
The B1 Work Visa is issued for a period of one year (365 days) with the possibility of annual renewal.
The visa renewal is carried out within the territory of Israel after coordination with the employer and submission of the relevant request to the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
The validity period of the B1 Work Visa cannot exceed five years, meaning that the maximum duration of stay for a worker in Israel is five years.Can a work visa be extended while in Israel?
Employees who have demonstrated good performance and reliability are always offered by Cohen Group the opportunity to extend their employment contract and work visa to continue working in Israel.
Negotiations for extension of the employment contract begin three months before the expiration of the current contract.
The work visa extension is carried out exclusively by the employer through the submission of the required documents to the Population and Immigration Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
The decision to extend the employment contract and work visa depends entirely on the employee’s conduct, professionalism, and compliance with the terms of the employment agreement.What should I do after receiving a work visa?
Actions After Receiving a Work Visa
After obtaining your work visa, you must contact your Cohen Group coordinator to confirm the exact date and time of your arrival in Israel.
Your coordinator will provide you with:● a list of documents required for entry into Israel;● recommendations on what items to bring with you;● detailed instructions for passing border control, including information on what is permitted and prohibited to bring into the country.
The coordinator will also answer all your questions related to your arrival and employment process in Israel.