Post Aliyah Guide: Former A-1 Temporary Residents

The steps below will guide you through your first few weeks after Aliyah. You will find a list of what to expect, which offices to visit, and which documents to bring as you obtain your Israeli documentation and begin your life in Israel.

For more information on the Aliyah Process as a Former A-1 Visa Holder, click here.

For more information on the Aliyah Rights & Benefits for Former A-1 Visa Holders, please click here.

First Steps for Former A-1 Visa Holders (Temporary Residents)

  • Passport Control: After swiping your passport in the self-service kiosk (or with a passport control officer for non-biometric passports) you will receive an entry slip. Keep this as you will need it to exit the airport, and may need it for proof of entry date at a later time.
  • Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration) – at Ben Gurion Airport: When landing, give your name to the Misrad Haklita representative at the gate. If there is nobody waiting at the gate, proceed to Misrad Haklita (as per your Aliyah Advisor’s instructions) to record your arrival.  As a Former A-1 Temporary Visa Holder you will not be processed or issued a temporary Teudat Zehut on arrival. However, they will coordinate your free taxi ride to your destination.

You must  schedule an appointment with the Ashrot (Visa) department of the Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad Hapnim) to change your status to citizen and to issue a Biometric Teudat Zehut and to request a temporary one.

You will need:

    • Original birth certificates for all family members with apostille
    • Original copy of your Marriage/Divorce/Spouse’s death certificate with apostille
    • Original Proof of Judaism letter
    • Valid passports for all family members
    • Two identical passport photos for each family member age 16 and above (for temporary Teudat Zehut/ID card)

Open a bank account at the bank of your choice. Most banks require an appointment to open an account.

You will need to bring your Teudat Zehut and valid foreign passport.

US citizens will be requested to provide their Social Security number and complete a W-9 form.

You will receive your bank account information and instructions for online banking.

To be recognized as an Oleh Chadash and activate your benefits, you will need to meet with your local Misrad Haklita.

You must first complete and submit the Misrad Haklita Online Eligiblity Form.  This form is to calculate for which benefits you are eligible. Your form will be processed (can take approximately three weeks, and  longer during the summer or holiday season), after which you will receive a phone call to set up an appointment.

  • You will need:
    • Teudat Zehut 
    • Foreign passport
    • All original documents
    • Letter of Ownership of Bank Account

You will receive:

    • Information about benefits for which you are eligible
    • A Teudat Oleh (one per family)

Bituach Leumi (The National Insurance Institute)is the government body responsible for healthcare, payment of various pensions, and allowances to Israeli residents.

All citizens have the obligation to maintain their residency in order to ensure continued registration with their chosen Kupat Cholim and eligibilities through Bituach Leumi.

If you haven’t been registered with Bituach Leumi since your return, please complete BTL form 628 to have your residency reinstated. Your form (and supporting documents) can then be submitted online through the Bituach Leumi website. Healthcare registration (and this form) will also be discussed at your Misrad Haklita appointment.

You will need:

    • Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)
    • Teudat Oleh or a letter received from Misrad Haklita.
    • Transcript of entry and exit from Israel (can be issued at Misrad Hapnim)

While you wont have an official waiting period, it could take a few weeks until you are covered by Kupat Cholim. We recommend that you purchase private health insurance before your arrival and maintain this coverage until your eligibility is determined. Once you are approved, you can go to your local branch of your chosen kupat cholim (no appointment necessary) to finalize registration.

Olim are entitled to ship appliances and belongings for personal use from abroad, without incurring customs fees. In order to release your import by using your Customs benefits you will need an open file with the Customs authority. A file will be opened for you automatically by the Customs authority within 3 days of your Aliyah.

Find the complete Nefesh B’Nefesh Shipping Guide here.

As a former A-1 temporary resident, please note that your final status will be clarified only after opening a file with the Customs Authority. We recommend that you DO NOT ship a container from abroad before there is a final decision about your status and you are approved as eligible for customs benefits.

You may be asked to present the following documents:

  • Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card).
  •  Teudat Oleh.
  • Valid foreign passport
  • Transcript from Misrad Hapnim with entries and exits.
  • Your spouse’s passport and Teudat Zehut (if applicable).

For further assistance, please contact the Nefesh B’Nefesh Advocacy Department at *3680

*Last Updated July 8, 2026*

How can we help your Aliyah?

Call Us

US & Canada: 1-866-4-ALIYAH

Israel: 02-659-5800

Post-Aliyah Answers Helpline (Israel): *3680

Lone Soldier 24/7 Hotline (Israel): *6563

[email protected]

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