Israel

Start online with the Jewish Agency (and, for North Americans, Nefesh B'Nefesh): complete the questionnaire and open a case file. This begins the eligibility review under the Law of Return.

An Aliyah advisor is assigned and you assemble the proofs: an apostilled long-form birth certificate, proof of Judaism (a recent letter from a recognized rabbi on letterhead, naming the Jewish ancestor for lineage cases), marital-status records, and a federal criminal clearance (e.g., FBI Identity History Summary). Every foreign document needs a Hague Apostille.

FBI/police clearance is valid only 6 months from issuance — time it to the interview

Attend an interview (at a consulate or with the Jewish Agency) to verify identity, lineage or eligibility, and intent. This is the gate before approval.

On approval, an official letter is issued and the Aliyah visa is granted, clearing you to immigrate. Total time from opening the file typically runs 6–12 months, driven mostly by document procurement.

Citizenship is automatic on arrival for those eligible under the Law of Return — you land as an Oleh (new immigrant) and receive citizenship, not merely a residence permit. (Those who prefer to test first can use the A/1 temporary-resident route and naturalize later.)

New immigrants enter a state absorption framework: immediate public healthcare enrollment, an initial resettlement grant (Sal Klita) paid over the first year, reduced municipal tax (Arnona), and subsidized Hebrew instruction (ulpan). The 10-year exemption on foreign-source income begins now.