Changing your Status from a TOURIST to OLEH
with the Ministry of Interior-Misrad Hapnim in Israel

NOTE: If one or both of your parents is an Israeli citizen, this process does not apply.  Please contact our Absorption Department for guidance in your aliyah process.

Please note that the change of status in Israel usually takes around 6 weeks. This time is needed in order for the verification of your Proof of Judaism and to get clearance from the Israeli Police, that you have no criminal record.  No fee is required.

Step 1:

Make an appointment at the closest branch of the Ministry of Interior- Misrad Hapnim.  A list of Misrad Hapnim branches, contact numbers, and hours of operation can be found by clicking here.

Make sure to bring:

1.Your current passport – must be valid for at least 6 months following your aliyah.

2. 3 passport pictures for each adult (you will provide one photo to the clerk at the meeting, the rest should be saved for when you return for your follow up appointment).

3. Proof of Judaism in order to receive Oleh Chadash status according to the Law of Return. As a proof of Judaism you can bring the following documents:

• An original letter from your congregational Rabbi from North America, on congregational letterhead, stating you were born to a Jewish mother.
• Original marriage certificate from the Rabanut (if married in Israel).
• Original conversion papers (if applicable).
  • If you converted in Israel, please bring your "Teudat Hamara" from the Rabanut.
  • If you converted abroad, you must bring your conversion certificate signed by 3 rabbis along with a letter describing the details of your conversion process and the dates when you started and completed your conversion.

4. Original birth certificate.

5. All other documents; civil marriage certificate, civil divorce certificate, death certificate when applicable. If you are married/divorced from an Israeli Citizen you will need an apostille stamp. Please remember that Misrad Hapnim requires you to bring only ORIGINAL documents. To find more about obtaining an apostille please refer to NBN web site http://www.nbn.org.il/klita/apostille.htm.

6.There is new ruling by the Ministry of Interior which requires all adults who wish to make Aliyah from within Israel to provide proof of a clean criminal record from their country of origin.

Please contact the police authority in your state to find out what the procedure involves. This process may take a few weeks so try to begin the process as soon as possible.

This document is required in order for Misrad Hapnim to process your Teudat Zehut.

You will receive:

1. Application for permit of permanent residence in Israel/change of visa category (3 pages). You can download and print application at: www.moin.gov.il

2. A file number and a date to come back.

3. Your file number will be listed on your passport.

The estimated time it takes to get an appointment in Jerusalem is approximately 2 months. The phone number to make an appointment in Jerusalem is 02-629-0239.

Step 2: If you are interested in applying for Nefesh B'Nefesh assistance please download an application and decide if you need financial assistance and services or Aliyah services. Complete and submit your application before the deadline. If you have any questions please consult with Doreet Freedman at doreet@nbn.org.il.  

Step 3: After 6 weeks, please return for your follow up appointment at Misrad Hapnim.

Make sure to bring:

Your passport, your tik number and the two remaining passport pictures for each adult over 16 years old.

You will receive:

Applications for your Israeli ID card (for each adult over 16 years old).

Israeli ID card

Your "oleh visa" that will appear in your passport, showing that you have made aliyah. 

If you want to change your name this is the right time to do so. Ask for "Shinui Shem" application and give it to the clerk. 

Make sure that your name is spelled correctly, that your family status is correct, and that if you have children they all appear on the "sefach" (addendum) of your Teudat Zehut!

If you plan to leave the country during the first three months after your Aliyah please ask for a "Michtav Maavar" when you receive your Teudat Zehut.

If you spent over 5 years in Israel as a tourist prior to your Aliyah and you would like to receive tax benefits as a new oleh, (income tax, customs, purchase tax) please ask for a "Tamzit Rishum". A Tamzit Rishom is a print-out that summarizes your status in Israel.

You will have three months to refuse receipt of your Israeli citizenship.  After three months, you will automatically become an Israeli citizen unless you go to Misrad Hapnim and declare you do not want to be a citizen.

Step 4: Misrad Haklita

Once you receive your Israeli ID card, you should make an appointment at your local branch of Misrad Haklita (the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption) to receive your Teudat Oleh.  Please emphasize that you made aliyah through Misrad Hapnim and not on a flight from North America.

If you have been residing in Israel for more than 5 years as a tourist, you will not receive a Teudat Oleh.  Please refer to the updates section of the Nefesh B'Nefesh website regarding the benefits for which you are still eligible.

We recommend opening a bank account prior to your appointment with Misrad Haklita.  Please bring documentation from your bank regarding your account details.

Please bring:

1. Israeli ID card

2. Passport from country of origin for the last 7 years

3. Bank account number

4. One passport picture for each adult

You will receive:

1. Teudat Oleh – Oleh Booklet

2. Health insurance voucher to enroll for Kupat Cholim.

3. Information about your benefits and rights.

At Misrad Haklita they will take your bank account number in order to deposit your sal klita payments directly into your bank account.

If you are a Katin Chozer, Ezrach Oleh or had A/1 status before becoming an Oleh - you may be asked to present additional documents. Please see the section for Ktinim Chozrim on the Nefesh B'Nefesh website.

Good Luck!

If you have any questions please contact Erica Edvi (erica@nbn.org.il) or Noya Govrin (noya@nbn.org.il)