Due to Covid-19, it seems the whole world is on hold and processes may be taking longer than usual. The Aliyah process is no different, and if you are planning Aliyah for summer 2021, which may seem like ages away, the truth is, it is closer than you realize! If you know you want to make Aliyah by summer 2021, now is the right time to start getting your documents organized.

Wait, what?

You read that right. Getting your documents in order early is the best possible move to make your Aliyah process run as smoothly as possible.

But my neighbor’s sister’s boyfriend’s mother made Aliyah and only got her paperwork in a few months beforehand!

Yes, it is possible to send in your documents later, but there are numerous benefits to getting them organized as soon as possible. For one, you need all kinds of things like original documents that you might need to dig out of your parents’ basement (or order new if they are missing) and apostilles on your documents which can sometimes take time. Also, keep in mind that depending on your background and Aliyah status, you may need different documents than your neighbor’s sister’s boyfriend’s mother did. You don’t want to be scrambling to get your documents in order later on when there is so much other important planning to do!

The earlier you get your documents in, the earlier you can schedule a meeting with the Jewish Agency. Depending on the Aliyah status assigned to you by the Jewish Agency, you may be required to submit additional documentation. Every person who makes Aliyah from North America does so through Nefesh BNefesh, and we help you with the entire Aliyah process from the moment you fill out your Aliyah application until long after you arrive in Israel, but the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) interviews every single person who makes Aliyah, and approval for Aliyah comes from them. If you wait too long, it can be difficult to schedule an interview with JAFI, which is something you may want to take care of early on.

Once your documents are in and you’re able to schedule your JAFI interview, you can devote the rest of your time until your Aliyah to actual planning. You can fully utilize your NBN advisor to plan out as much of your Aliyah as you can in order to make sure you have the smoothest Aliyah possible. This can include researching communities, schools, healthcare options, higher education, army and national service, and employment.

The sooner you take care of the technical bureaucratic stuff, the sooner you can begin practical planning. Get the personalized attention you deserve from your NBN advisor and take advantage of their expertise. The more time you have to plan, the smoother your transition to life in Israel will be.

Get started now and reach out to your Aliyah advisor or email us at [email protected].