Opening an Aliyah File

Your First Step Toward Israeli Citizenship

Opening an Aliyah file (Tik Aliyah) is the first official step in your journey to Israeli citizenship. This file is your formal application to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return, and it's managed by the Jewish Agency for Israel in coordination with partner organizations. The process varies slightly depending on where you live, but the fundamentals are the same worldwide.

What Is an Aliyah File?

An Aliyah file is your official immigration application to Israel. It contains your personal information, proof of Jewish heritage, identity documents, and all supporting materials needed for the Jewish Agency to verify your eligibility under the Law of Return and process your application for Israeli citizenship.

Once your file is opened, you'll receive access to a personal portal where you can track your application status, upload documents, and communicate with your assigned advisor.

When Should You Open Your File?

The recommended timeline is 8-10 months before your intended Aliyah date. This allows sufficient time for document gathering, processing, interviews, and approval. The process typically takes 3-6 months, but can be longer for complex cases.

Timeline Overview:

ï  12 months before: Begin researching and gathering information

ï  8-10 months before: Open your file and submit initial application

ï  6-7 months before: Complete Jewish Agency interview

ï  3-4 months before: Receive approval and apply for Aliyah visa

ï  1-2 months before: Book flights and finalize arrangements

How to Open Your File: By Location

From the United States or Canada

North Americans apply through Nefesh B'Nefesh, which has a joint application with the Jewish Agency. One application covers both organizations.

ï  **Website: www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-application

ï  **Phone: **1-866-4-ALIYAH (1-866-425-4924)

ï  **Email: aliyah@nbn.org.il

From the United Kingdom

UK residents work directly with the Jewish Agency to open their Aliyah file.

ï  **Jewish Agency UK: **0800-085-2105 or 0800-051-8227

ï  **Email: ukquestions@jafi.org

From Anywhere Worldwide

The Jewish Agency's Global Aliyah Center serves Jews from all countries.

ï  **Website: www.jewishagency.org/aliyah

ï  **WhatsApp: **+972-52-474-0024

ï  **Toll-Free (Israel): **1-800-228-055

ï  Email: gci-en@jafi.org (English)

ï  The Global Service Center operates 22 hours/day, 6 days/week in multiple languages

From Australia

ï  **Zionist Federation of Australia: www.zfa.com.au/connection/israel/aliyah

ï  **Toll-Free: **1800 445 781

From South Africa

ï  **Israel Centre (SAZF): www.sazf.org/aliyah

ï  **Telfed (SA Olim Society): www.telfed.org.il

Opening a File from Within Israel

If you're already in Israel on a tourist visa (B/2) and want to make Aliyah, you can change your status through a process called Shinui Ma'amad (Change of Status). There are two paths:

Option 1: Through the Jewish Agency

ï  Call the Global Aliyah Center: 1-800-228-055 (from Israel)

ï  They will open a Shinui Ma'amad file for you

ï  The Jewish Agency will coordinate with Misrad HaPnim on your behalf

ï  Generally simpler process with less Hebrew paperwork required

Option 2: Directly Through Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior)

ï  Go in person to your local Population and Immigration Authority office

ï  Schedule an appointment with the Aliyah department

ï  Forms must be completed in Hebrew

ï  **Misrad HaPnim Locations: NBN Branch Locations Guide

**Note: **Those with special status (Ezrach Oleh, Katin Chozer) or converts must go through Misrad HaPnim directly.

Documents Required to Open Your File

Identity Documents (for each family member):

ï  Valid passport (must be valid for at least 1 year from Aliyah date)

ï  Birth certificate (long-form, showing both parents' names)

ï  Passport-sized photos (per Israeli specifications)

Proof of Jewish Heritage:

ï  Letter from a recognized rabbi on official letterhead (dated within past year)

ï  Documents proving Jewish lineage (parent/grandparent birth certificates, ketubot, etc.)

ï  For converts: Official conversion certificate and rabbinical letters

Family Status Documents:

ï  Marriage certificate (if married)

ï  Divorce decree (if divorced)

ï  Death certificate of spouse (if widowed)

ï  Children's birth certificates

Background Check:

ï  Police clearance certificate from your country of residence

ï  Required from every country where you lived for more than 1 year since age 14

ï  Must have apostille certification

Additional Forms:

ï  Health declaration form (for each family member)

ï  Entry/exit form (listing travel to Israel in past 7 years)

ï  Waiver allowing information transfer between agencies

Apostille and Document Authentication

Documents from Hague Convention countries require apostille certification. Documents from non-Hague countries need consular legalization. All foreign-language documents must be officially translated to Hebrew by a certified translator.

ï  **US Apostille: **Through your state's Secretary of State office

ï  **FBI Background Check: FBI Identity History Summary

What Happens After You Open Your File

Step 1: Application Review

After submitting your application and documents, you'll be assigned a personal Aliyah advisor who will review your file and request any missing documents.

Step 2: Interview

You'll be scheduled for an interview with a Jewish Agency representative (Shaliach). Bring all original documents. The interview verifies your documents, confirms eligibility, and discusses your Aliyah plans.

Step 3: Eligibility Approval

If approved, you'll receive the "Mazal Tov" letter via email from the Jewish Agency, confirming your eligibility for Aliyah and providing instructions for next steps.

Step 4: Aliyah Visa

Apply for your Aliyah visa at your nearest Israeli consulate. Processing takes approximately 18 business days. The visa is valid for 6 months once issued.

Step 5: Flight and Arrival

Book your Aliyah flight. North Americans through NBN may be eligible for a free flight on El Al. Upon arrival, you'll receive your Teudat Oleh and begin the absorption process.

File Fees

Opening an Aliyah file involves a nonrefundable fee paid to the Jewish Agency. The exact amount varies by country and is confirmed when you begin the application process. This fee covers administrative processing of your application.

Tips for a Smooth Application

ï  **Start early: **Give yourself 8-10 months; complex cases take longer

ï  **Gather documents first: **Have everything ready before opening your file

ï  **Keep originals safe: **Submit copies but keep originals for your interview

ï  **Check validity dates: **Ensure passport and police checks remain valid through Aliyah

ï  **Respond promptly: **Quick responses to document requests speed up processing

ï  **Stay in contact: **Keep your advisor updated on any changes

ï  **Join communities: **Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats connect you with others

Key Contacts Summary

Jewish Agency Global Center:

ï  Website: www.jewishagency.org/aliyah

ï  WhatsApp: +972-52-474-0024

Nefesh B'Nefesh (US/Canada/UK):

ï  Website: www.nbn.org.il

ï  Phone: 1-866-4-ALIYAH

Ministry of Aliyah and Integration:

ï  Phone (Israel): *2994 or *3450

ï  Website: gov.il - Ministry of Aliyah

The Bottom Line

Opening your Aliyah file is an exciting first step toward Israeli citizenship. While the paperwork may seem daunting, the Jewish Agency and partner organizations like Nefesh B'Nefesh are there to guide you through every step. Start early, gather your documents, and reach out to your local Aliyah representative to begin your journey home.

**For more information, visit www.easyaliyah.com

Updated on: 01/02/2026