When applying, two separate issues are reviewed:

1. Citizenship

Under the Law of Return, every Jew who meets the eligibility requirements may make Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship. If you are already an Israeli citizen through birth, family history, or a previous Aliyah, you do not require an Aliyah visa and will return to Israel under the Law of Citizenship rather than the Law of Return.

2. Aliyah Benefits

Eligibility for Aliyah benefits is determined separately from citizenship. Misrad HaKlita determines an applicant’s status and eligibility for benefits according to its current regulations.

The Jewish Agency for Israel and Misrad HaKlita will review your documents and determine your status before your move, allowing you to understand which benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Who is a Katin Chozer (Returning Minor)?

A Katin Chozer (KC) is an Israeli citizen who left Israel with at least one parent before the age of 14 and later returns to Israel.

This generally includes individuals who:

• Were born in Israel to at least one Israeli parent.
• Made Aliyah with at least one parent before the age of 14.
• Were born in Israel to a parent who held an A-1 Temporary Resident Visa at the time of birth. In these cases, the child is generally considered an Israeli citizen by the Population and Immigration Authority and may qualify for Katin Chozer status through Misrad HaKlita.

Eligibility for Katin Chozer Status

To qualify as a Katin Chozer, applicants generally must:

• Have left Israel before the age of 14 with at least one parent.
• Have lived abroad with at least one parent for the required qualifying period.
• Return to Israel after the age of 17.
• Meet the current eligibility criteria established by Misrad HaKlita.

Please note that eligibility is determined individually, and each application is reviewed based on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the regulations in effect at the time of application.

Important Policy Updates

Updates to Misrad HaKlita procedures have introduced several changes that may affect Katin Chozer applicants.

Returning After Parents Left Israel

If a family made Aliyah and later left Israel within the first year, a child returning to Israel in the future may now be recognized as a Gorer Zakaut (GZ) rather than a Katin Chozer, depending on the family’s circumstances.

Katin Chozer M’Yom Giyuso (KCMG)

If a family remained outside Israel for at least ten years, and the child lived outside Israel for at least four years, a returning child who enlists in the IDF within one year of returning may qualify as Katin Chozer M’Yom Giyuso (KCMG).

For families serving abroad as official emissaries (Shlichim) of recognized Israeli national institutions, the four-year absence requirement may not apply.

Applicants Over Age 23

Applicants making Aliyah as a Katin Chozer after the age of 23 are generally no longer required to provide documentation regarding their parents’ Place of Life Abroad (POLA), since the applicant was already an adult during the relevant qualifying period.

Gorer Zakaut Families

If parents holding Gorer Zakaut status choose to waive their remaining benefits and become Toshavim Chozrim, an eligible child who qualifies as a Katin Chozer may receive full Katin Chozer benefits.

Previous Stays in Israel

Previous time spent in Israel before establishing Aliyah status may affect eligibility.

Current regulations provide that:

• Misrad HaKlita reviews time spent in Israel during the 12 years preceding the establishment of Aliyah status.
• Spending more than 5 years in Israel during that period may affect eligibility for benefits.
• Spending between 3 and 5 years in Israel may result in limited eligibility.
• Spending fewer than 3 years generally allows for full eligibility, subject to all applicable regulations.

Certain periods are not counted toward previous stays, including approved exceptions established by Misrad HaKlita.

In addition:

• Visits of up to 122 days per calendar year generally do not count toward previous stay calculations.
• Eligibility for Sal Klita continues to be determined under its own regulations and generally requires spending fewer than two years in Israel during the three years preceding Aliyah.

Academic Programs

Time spent in Israel as part of approved academic studies or recognized programs generally will not affect previous stay calculations for up to four cumulative years.

Approved programs may include:

• University studies
• Yeshiva or Midrasha programs
• MASA programs
• Other recognized educational programs

Please note that exceeding the four-year limit, even by one day, may cause the entire period to be counted toward previous stays.

National Service (Sherut Leumi) and IDF service are governed under separate regulations.

Military and National Service

Special provisions may apply to applicants serving in the IDF or Sherut Leumi.

In addition:

• Certain applicants who enlist shortly after returning to Israel may qualify as Katin Chozer M’Yom Giyuso.
• Time spent performing Miluim (Reserve Duty), together with the applicable period before and after service, generally does not count toward previous stay calculations.

Establishing Aliyah Status

Aliyah benefits generally begin once Misrad HaKlita establishes your status and issues your Teudat Zakaut.

In certain circumstances, the date your status becomes effective (Taarich Kabalat Ma’amad) may differ from the date your Teudat Zehut is issued or the date you receive your Teudat Zakaut.

Issuing a Teudat Zehut alone does not determine Aliyah benefits.

Need Help Determining Your Status?

Every Katin Chozer case is unique. If you are unsure whether you qualify as a Katin Chozer, Gorer Zakaut, Katin Chozer M’Yom Giyuso, or another status, your Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

Documentation

Current documentation requirements for Ktinim Chozrim remain unchanged.

Although the updated Ministry procedures reference additional documentation for certain Katin Chozer and Ezrach Oleh applicants, there are currently no changes to the documentation required through Nefesh B’Nefesh or The Jewish Agency for Israel. Applicants will be notified if these requirements change.

Please Note:

• Aliyah status and eligibility for benefits are determined solely by The Jewish Agency for Israel and Misrad HaKlita based on current regulations and each applicant’s individual circumstances.
• As policies may change, applicants are encouraged to consult their Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor to confirm the most up-to-date eligibility requirements before making Aliyah.