Moving to Israel
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Israel, often referred to as the "Holy Land," attracts travelers from around the world due to its historical significance and cultural richness. It is equally renowned for expatriates seeking educational and professional opportunities. For those contemplating a move to a vibrant destination filled with captivating experiences and a diverse community, Israel offers a compelling choice. Whether you are pursuing an educational journey, a career path, or settling with family, this guide outlines various routes to consider for your relocation to Israel.

One of the unique aspects of Israel's immigration policy is the concept of Aliyah, which grants Jews, regardless of their place of birth, the right to become Israeli citizens. If you have Jewish ancestry or have converted to Judaism and are not affiliated with another religion, you are eligible for Aliyah. The Jewish Agency administers Aliyah for Jews residing abroad, ensuring a seamless process.

To embark on your Aliyah journey, reach out to the Global Center or your local Jewish Agency office, which will assist you in initiating your Aliyah file. You will receive guidance on the necessary documentation and the subsequent steps.

Upon successful Aliyah, you gain the privilege to live, work, and study in Israel. Additionally, you will receive financial support known as the Sal Klitah, aimed at facilitating your settlement. A portion of this support is provided at the airport, while the remainder is distributed in six monthly installments.

If your spouse is already residing in Israel and you wish to reunite with them, you can apply for an Israeli A/4 visa, designed for spouses and minor children of A/2 student visa holders and A/3 clergy visa holders. While this visa permits family reunification, it does not grant work privileges.

Eligibility for an A/4 visa is limited to children under 18 years of age or the spouse of individuals holding an A/2 or A/3 visa. The visa's duration is a maximum of one year or until the expiration of the sponsoring A/2 or A/3 visa, whichever comes first. You have the option to extend the A/4 visa, provided that your spouse maintains a valid A/2 or A/3 visa. Should you wish to work or study in Israel, separate applications for relevant work or study visas are required.

Israel's vibrant cities, bathed in sunlight, offer not only a welcoming environment but also employment opportunities for many. The B-1 work visa is the primary work permit for foreign nationals, encompassing a range of categories. It is accessible to individuals with a specific job offer in Israel, and the application process involves collaboration between the employer/sponsor and the employee.

The B/1 Work Visa for Israel encompasses several categories, such as:

1. Specialists in Academic Fields, Engineers for Research and Development Teams, Auditors, Senior Executives, and Senior Supervisors.
2. Non-Academic Specialists, for roles not requiring an educational certificate from a higher education institution.
3. Experts for Short-Term Employment (STEP), for individuals holding relevant educational qualifications.
4. High-Tech Work Visa (HIT), catering to foreign experts in high-tech and cyber companies.
5. Short-Term Work in Israel (SEA), designed for foreign experts seeking short-term stays of up to 45 days annually.

To qualify for a B/1 Work Visa, obtaining a work permit in Israel is a prerequisite. Responsibility for this permit rests with the employer in Israel. Upon receiving a single-entry B-1 visa, valid for 30 days, from the Israeli embassy in your home country, you can apply for an extended validity, multiple-entry B-1 visa stamp from the Ministry of Interior in Israel. While extensions of up to one year may be possible, the total duration in B-1 status typically does not exceed five years and three months.

A prevalent means of temporary relocation to Israel is for educational purposes, with the Israeli A/2 Student Visa. This visa permits admission to educational institutions in Israel and is renewable, catering to students of all age groups, from elementary schools to academic institutions, yeshivot, and youth organizations affiliated with the Jewish Agency. However, an A/2 Student Visa does not grant work authorization.

It is essential to note that individuals with Israeli parents, qualifying for Israeli citizenship, must pursue an Israeli passport by law and are not eligible to apply for an A/2 Student Visa.
An A/2 Student Visa is initially valid for one year, with the possibility of extension before its expiration. Renewals are contingent on continued enrollment at an educational institution in Israel.