If you are unsure whether you can receive the tourist visa at Ben Gurion you should contact your local Israeli consulate. After three months, the visa can be extended for another three-month period at the main office of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. The visa may be extended every three months for up to a year. There is a modest fee for each extension. Although you enter Israel on a Tourist Visa you can reclassify your visa from a Tourist Visa to another type if you wish such as a student visa.
Student Visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad.
Students participating in the semester or year programs who wish to avoid Tourist Visa renewals may chose to enter Israel on an A-2 Visa. To request a Student Visa before going to Israel you must appear at the Israeli Consulate in your area to apply for this visa. You can reclassify your Tourist Visa in Israel at the Ministry of Interior at 1 Shlomtzion St. in Jerusalem. The following items must be submitted with your application. Your passport valid for at least two years.