Plain answers, with sources
Information as of September 27, 2026, from official sources. Rules and amounts change; always verify with the source linked. This is not legal, tax or rabbinic advice.
Am I eligible to make aliyah?
Israel's Law of Return (1950) grants the right to a Jew, to the child and grandchild of a Jew, and to the spouse of each of these. A great-grandchild is not covered by the law. Conversions in a recognized Jewish community abroad, including Reform and Conservative, are recognized for the Law of Return, subject to conditions on the conversion process and on participation in the community afterward. Eligibility for aliyah is not the same as recognition by Israel's Chief Rabbinate for marriage; on that question we don't give an answer, we connect you with a rabbinic contact.
Source: Law of Return; Jewish Agency eligibility page; Nefesh B'Nefesh.
How long does the process take?
For a standard case, 6 to 10 months from decision to landing. Nefesh B'Nefesh recommends opening your application 6 to 10 months before your target date. The bottlenecks: the FBI background check with apostille, civil documents with apostille, file review, and the visa.
Source: Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Which documents will I need?
The main ones: a letter from a rabbi of a recognized congregation, written within the last year and signed in ink; original birth certificates with both parents' names, with apostille; marriage or divorce certificates with apostille; an FBI Identity History Summary with a federal apostille (from age 14, valid 6 months, and it must still be valid on your aliyah date); a passport valid for at least a year past your date. We build the full list with you.
Source: Nefesh B'Nefesh document requirements.
Who actually handles aliyah from the U.S.?
Nefesh B'Nefesh, working with the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government. Your interview is with a Jewish Agency aliyah emissary; the Israeli consulate issues the immigrant visa. Arevim helps you prepare and stays with you throughout.
Source: Nefesh B'Nefesh; The Jewish Agency.
I was born in the U.S. to an Israeli parent. Do I need to make aliyah?
You're likely already an Israeli citizen by birth and don't need an immigrant visa. Your status is “Ezrach Oleh” (immigrant citizen), which carries the same benefits as a new immigrant. The first step is settling your citizenship at the consulate. Note: your own children born abroad won't be citizens automatically.
Source: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, procedure 1.001 (November 2025).
I was born in Israel and left as a small child. What am I?
Possibly a “Katin Chozer” (returning minor): left before 14 with a parent, lived abroad 4+ years, returning at 17+. If so, you're treated as a new immigrant, including the absorption basket. We check this with the ministry before you plan anything.
Source: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, procedure 1.001.
What is the absorption basket (Sal Klita)?
A living allowance from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration for your first months: a first payment at the airport on a prepaid card, a bank top-up, then six monthly payments. 2026 totals, in shekels: single adult about 21,700; couple about 41,400; couple with two school-age children about 58,400. It does not cover the flight, shipping, furniture, appliances or a car. Amounts update every January.
Source: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, 2026 table.
Is the flight free?
A one-way flight with two suitcases is covered when booked through Nefesh B'Nefesh. A flight you buy yourself is not reimbursed.
Source: Nefesh B'Nefesh.
What about health care?
New immigrants are covered by national health insurance from the day of aliyah, with no waiting period. Register with a health fund at the airport or a post office within 90 days.
Source: National Insurance Institute; Nefesh B'Nefesh.
What about taxes?
New immigrants get a 10-year exemption from Israeli tax on income earned outside Israel. Separately, a temporary law passed in 2026 exempts Israeli employment income up to yearly caps for those who become residents by December 31, 2026; anyone arriving from 2027 is not covered. The U.S. continues to tax its citizens on worldwide income. These are the facts as of 2026; how they apply to you is a question for an international tax accountant, before you set a date. We'll connect you with one.
Source: Israel Tax Authority guides for new immigrants (updated July–August 2026).
My son is 17. Will he serve in the army?
Immigrants whose “arrival age” is up to 21 are required to serve; at 17 that's full service, planned about a year after arrival. Ages 22 to 27 are exempt and may volunteer; 28 and up are exempt. “Arrival age” is calculated from entries and exits, so long visits before aliyah can move it earlier. We check each child under 28 with the IDF's Meitav unit.
Source: IDF Meitav.
Can I bring my belongings and my car?
Up to three shipments within three years free of import taxes. One car at 50% purchase tax instead of 83%, VAT in full, no sale within four years.
Source: Israel Tax Authority, customs guide for new immigrants.
We're in an urgent situation. Can it go faster?
There is no official fast track from North America. What does help: calling your NBN advisor and the Jewish Agency emissary to ask for priority, submitting critical documents in parallel rather than one after another, and NBN's Flexible flights, which can be available within about a week of your requested date. We stay with you on the phone through every step.
Source: Nefesh B'Nefesh.