Guide for Aliyah from North America - USA and Canada, all the information you need to know and a 3 steps guide!
Since 2008 The Jewish Agency has ceded its Aliyah operations in North America to the private organization Nefesh B'Nefesh. The Agency will continue to be in charge of the eligibility process of prospective immigrants.
Six to eight months before your estimated Aliyah date, begin your Aliyah paperwork by completing the appropriate application.
Nefesh B’Nefesh offers an Aliyah application with two possibilities: Aliyah Services or Aliyah Services & Financial Aid. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of need, adequacy of Aliyah preparation, and likelihood of success. As part of the application process, the Jewish Agency will request the following documents where relevant: birth certificate, passport, proof of Judaism letter, marriage/divorce certificates and name change certificates. The application will be reviewed by all necessary government agencies, who may request additional documents based on your Aliyah status.
Once Nefesh B’Nefesh receives your application, you will receive a confirmation letter with a user name and password to allow you access to your personal web page. This page will allow you to track the status of your Aliyah file, including which documents have been received and those that are outstanding.
The new Nefesh B’Nefesh online Aliyah application allows you to apply simultaneously for both Nefesh B’Nefesh assistance and Jewish Agency Aliyah approval, although you will receive separate acceptance notifications from each organization.
As part of the Aliyah process, an interview with your local Aliyah Shaliach (Jewish Agency representative) will be required.
You will be asked to present all the aforementioned original documents (see above, step 1) which will be returned to you during your meeting.
The Aliyah Shaliach is a representative of the Jewish Agency for Israel who is responsible for validating your Aliyah documents and meeting with you. You can make an appointment to speak with the Shaliach directly, as per the listing below:
Note: The first step of your Aliyah processing involves filling out a joint Nefesh B'Nefesh/Jewish Agency online application.
There is a separate acceptance process for Nefesh B’Nefesh and The Jewish Agency. Your application will be reviewed by both organizations, and you will receive separate notification letters.
The Jewish Agency is the body responsible for authorizing Aliyah according to the Law of Return. Nefesh B’Nefesh approval is necessary in order to obtain financial aid and Nefesh B’Nefesh services, including participation in group and charter Aliyah flights.
After all the preparations, Arrange an individual flight to Israel or Join a Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah flight, which is in and of itself, an unforgettable experience!
Once you're landing in Israel you're considered as an Oleh Chadash, Welcome to Israel!
Please visit our "Step-by-step" Guide of the first steps in Israel as a New Oleh.
Canada: 1-866-421-8912
U.S.A.: 1-866-835-0430
Canada and USA for Russian speakers: 1-888-572-8269