FAQ for Integrating Immigrant and Internationally Educated Nurses
Towards integration in the Israeli workforce
If you are an integrating immigrant or an internationally educated nurse and you have some questions about working in Israel, the answers are below.
Can internationally educated nurses work in Israel as nurses?
If you are an internationally educated nurse, you need to be added to the Israeli Nursing Licensure Registry, and then you can work in Israel. You need to get the endorsement of the Nursing Division and pass the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination.
What is the difference between an interim license and a permanent license?
Getting a permanent license to practice nursing for internationally educated nurses is a two-step process: you first get an interim (temporary) license valid for 18 months for Israeli citizens or East Jerusalem permanent residents only; and only after completion of this period, you can get a permanent license if you meet all requirements.
You can get the interim license after passing the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination and proving knowledge of the Hebrew language.
During the interim license period, you must work under supervision as a full-time nurse in the Israeli Health System for at least 12 months (as long as your interim license remains valid or is unrevoked).
After completing 12 months of working as a nurse, you will be asked to submit a reference letter to the Nursing Administration, signed by the nurse in charge of the department or clinic or the head nurse of the medical center where you work. This reference will serve as a basis for the Nursing Administration's decision whether to grant you a permanent license.
Documents and requirements for an interim license or a permanent license
Does the Ministry of Health endorse international registered nurses?
If you have been working as a registered nurse outside of Israel, you can apply for Nursing Administration endorsement, provided your expertise is in demand in Israel, and you are listed on the Nursing Licensure Registry.
In order to receive the endorsement of the Nursing Administration, you should meet all prerequisites and submit the appropriate documents as specified on the website.
Can you receive a permanent license if you are a temporary resident?
If you are a temporary resident, you can receive a permanent license only after your become a citizen of the State of Israel. Until you receive citizenship, you can get a temporary license to work in Israel, as long as your residence permit is valid. Details on how to renew an interim license or apply for a permanent license after receiving Israeli citizenship can be found on the website.
Can you take the licensure examination in your own language?
As an internationally educated nurse, you can choose to take the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination in Arabic, English, Russian, French, or Spanish. Carefully select the language: once set, your choice of language cannot be changed.
If you request to take the examination in a language other than Hebrew, you will have to prove knowledge of the Hebrew language so that you can be listed on the Nursing Licensure Registry and get an interim license.
How can you request extra testing time?
Recent immigrants living in Israel less than five years will automatically receive extra testing time and are not required to submit a request. The licensure examination notice will specify the approved extra testing time request.
What proof of Hebrew proficiency is required to get an interim license to practice nursing in Israel?
Proving Hebrew proficiency will allow you to be listed on the Nursing Licensure Registry so that you can work as a nurse. Without a proof, you will not be listed and thus you cannot work as a nurse in Israel. Submit your proof of Hebrew proficiency within three years from the day you take the licensure examination.
Info regarding proving Hebrew proficiency.
You are a temporary resident. What should you do in order to enroll to the state licensure examination?
If you are a temporary resident, you can enroll to the licensure examination only if your visa is valid at the day of the examination, and you have this updated in the Nursing Division system.
To update the system, send a copy of a valid I.D. card to:
siud.test@moh.gov.il
You do not have an Israeli I.D. card. What should you do in order to enroll to the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination?
If you hold a passport, but not an Israeli I.D. card, you cannot enroll to the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination via the Healthcare Professional Portal. For instructions how to enroll, please contact the Ministry of Health hotline (at *5400), or the Nursing Division at:
siud.test@moh.gov.il
What is the Knowledge Supplementation Program and what is the target audience?
The Knowledge Supplementation Program is intended for nursing graduates endorsed by the Nursing Division, meaning their studies are compatible with local nursing programs. The program is intended to prepare nurses to local practice. This is an online program, which can be completed at your own pace, in one of the six available languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, or Spanish.
For further details regarding the Knowledge Supplementation Program
Are there any documents you can submit prior to your immigration so that you can receive a license to practice nursing in Israel earlier?
Certainly. You can submit a request for verification from your country of origin. A verified nurse, having Nursing Division's endorsement, can start the online program as a Nurse in Israel.
We recommend studying and improving your knowledge of Hebrew prior to immigrating, because a proof of Hebrew proficiency is a prerequisite to receive an interim license and to be listed on the Nursing Licensure Registry in Israel.
What is the Program for Integrating Immigrant Registered Nurses?
The program is a collaboration of the Nursing Division with the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. It is aimed at facilitating and assisting the integration of recent immigrants and internationally educated nurses, who want to immigrate to Israel and continue to practice in Israel.
The program has several tracks, and includes individual and professional support, and a preparatory course for the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination
For further details regarding the Program
You Might Find Interesting
- Applying for Professional Credentials Evaluation of Internationally Educated Nurses
- Hebrew Language Proficiency
- Interim or Permanent License for Internationally Educated Nurses
- The Program for Integrating Immigrant Registered Nurses
- Transition-to-Practice Program for Registered Nurses in Israel
- Database of those authorized to practice nursing
You Might Find Interesting
- Applying for Professional Credentials Evaluation of Internationally Educated Nurses
- Hebrew Language Proficiency
- Interim or Permanent License for Internationally Educated Nurses
- The Program for Integrating Immigrant Registered Nurses
- Transition-to-Practice Program for Registered Nurses in Israel
- Database of those authorized to practice nursing