Nursing-Care Permit & Visa: Eligibility, Steps and Timelines
Employing a foreign caregiver in Israel requires two things: an employment permit issued for the patient, and a worker holding a valid B/1 work visa. The state — not the bureau — decides permit eligibility, based on the patient's functional condition.
This guide covers who qualifies, the step-by-step process, realistic timelines, and what visa extension involves.
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Who qualifies for a permit?
Eligibility is determined by the National Insurance Institute through an ADL dependency assessment performed at the patient's home. A score of 4.5 or higher generally qualifies. People aged 90 and above have a simpler track handled directly with the Population and Immigration Authority.
The process, step by step
- Step 1 — Eligibility: the National Insurance ADL assessment, or the direct 90+ track.
- Step 2 — Employment permit: application to the Population and Immigration Authority with the medical documents.
- Step 3 — Licensed bureau: employment is arranged through a licensed private caregiving bureau.
- Step 4 — Finding the caregiver: choosing a suitable worker by region, language and experience.
- Step 5 — B/1 visa registration under the new employer.
Orshina accompanies every step — see how the process works with Orshina.
How long does it take?
Full official guidance: the gov.il foreign-caregiver employment manual and pre-employment tips.
- A worker already in Israel: usually two weeks to one month once the permit is valid.
- Bringing a new worker from abroad: one to three months, depending on the source country.
Visa extensions and keeping the permit valid
- The B/1 visa is temporary and extended with the Population Authority — handle extensions early.
- Changing employer, work region or caregiver requires updating the registration.
- Worker status and work region can be checked in the Authority's online service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ADL dependency test?
A functional assessment by a nurse or physiotherapist on behalf of the National Insurance Institute, checking daily functioning. A score of 4.5 or higher generally qualifies the patient for a permit.
Can we get a permit without the test?
People aged 90 and above have a simpler track handled directly with the Population and Immigration Authority.
How long does the whole process take?
With a worker already in Israel — usually two weeks to a month once the permit is valid. Bringing a worker from abroad takes one to three months.
What is the difference between the permit and the visa?
The permit belongs to the patient and allows employing a foreign caregiver; the B/1 visa belongs to the worker and allows them to live and work in Israel. Lawful employment requires both.
Last reviewed: July 17, 2026 · Orshina team · Official sources are linked in the guide body.
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