A Guide for Changing your Status to Oleh in Israel
by Eli Birnbaum
You will need at least 8 photos of yourself and of each member of your family (B&W or color, "passport" size) for this process.
Never give original documents!!! Always show originals but have photocopies or legible photographs to hand over.
Have something to keep you occupied while you are waiting on line.
- Go to the Ministry of the Interior, (Misrad Hapnim). Request the form for (Temporary Resident) or oleh. You can fill it out while you are waiting your turn. Make sure you have the following with you:
- Proof that you are Jewish! This can consist of a ketuba (yours if married, or parents' if not), or a letter written by your rabbi of your Diaspora congregation, preferably in Hebrew, or your conversion certificate.
- Two passport photos for each member of the family.
- Your current passport(s) and the entry slip you received at the airport.
After handing over all of the information, you will receive a slip with your file number and the date when to come back (usually one month later).
- On the date which you are requested to return, go again to the Ministry of the Interior. This time, bring your passport(s) and two photos per family member, and the slip with your file number.
At the information desk, request the form for your "teudat zehut" (identity card). At this time, you may also request a form for your "te-udat ma'avar" (travel document used in lieu of a passport for the first year) and for a "shinui shem" (name change if you want to change either your first or last name). Fill these out while you wait your turn.
At your turn, the clerk will check your file one more time, and then will fill out a form listing what will appear on your teudat zehut. At this point, make sure each and every name is spelled correctly in Hebrew and that all of the other information is correct.
Your passport(s) will be stamped saying that you have been granted the status of oleh.
YOU ARE NOW AN OLEH!
NOTE: For the first three months after your aliyah date, you have the right to request explicitly from misrad hapnim in writing not to receive Israeli citizenship. In this case, the oleh will receive "permanent resident" status which serves for people who come from countries which do not allow for dual citizenship under any circumstances. The status of permanent resident carries the same privileges and obligations as citizenship, except for the right to vote in national elections, the right to run for public office, to carry an Israeli passport, and to be employed as a civil servant in certain jobs.
- Go to the Ministry of Absorption (Misrad Haklita) with 2 photos, your passports, and your temporary teudat zehut in order to receive your oleh booklet (Teudat Oleh). This teudat oleh is that document which is the key to your oleh rights (privileges). It could be worth a lot of money - don't lose it! Please note, Temporary Residents are not entitled to "absorption" rights.
- Arrange "membership" at a Kupat Holim (health fund). Bring two photos, your Teudat Oleh, and the voucher for 6 months of free health coverage (if you aren't working) . You may choose any one of the Kupot.
- Open a bank account so that when you receive rent subsidy and/or a living stipend (for those attending ulpan), it can be deposited directly.
- Arrange rent subsidy by going to any mortgage bank with your teudat oleh, rental contract, teudat zehut, and bank account number.
- Exchange drivers license at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (Misrad Harishui). Bring your original (foreign) license, a photocopy of both sides, 2 pictures, Teudat Oleh, passport and the results of the eye examination (Form and exam available at most optometrists). The switch does not happen automatically; you will need to take a practical driving test (see our article on driver's licenses for details).
- Open file at National Insurance (Bituach Leumi). Bring Teudot Oleh and teudat zehut.
Last updated: Monday, January 05, 2004