Making Aliyah in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for English Speakers
Everything you need to know about making aliyah in 2026 — from the initial NBN application to landing in Israel, your rights as a new immigrant, and what to expect in the first 90 days.
Quick Answer
To make aliyah in 2026, the primary pathway for English speakers is through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) together with Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) for North American and British applicants. The process takes 3–9 months depending on your documentation readiness, country of origin, and chosen aliyah date. You do not need to already have Israeli citizenship — the Law of Return grants the right to citizenship to eligible Jewish individuals and their family members.
Who Is Eligible to Make Aliyah?
Under Israel's Law of Return (1950) and its 1970 amendment, the following are eligible:
- A Jew (defined as someone born to a Jewish mother, or who has undergone halachic conversion)
- The spouse, children, and grandchildren of a Jew
- The spouses of children and grandchildren of a Jew
This means that someone with one Jewish grandparent may be eligible even if not halachically Jewish, as long as they are not a member of another religion.
Step-by-Step: The Aliyah Process for North Americans and UK Citizens
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Gather your proof of Jewish identity: birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate (if applicable), and synagogue letters or similar documentation. If there are conversion(s) in your lineage, you will need the conversion certificate and information about the conversion's halachic validity.
Step 2: Create Your Nefesh B'Nefesh Application
North Americans and British citizens apply through Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN), which partners with the Jewish Agency to streamline the process. Create an account at nbnjobs.com/nbn and start the aliyah application. You will be assigned a case manager who guides you through document submission.
Step 3: Gather and Submit Documents
Required documents typically include:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 1 year beyond your aliyah date)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Proof of Jewish identity (as above)
- Police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- Medical certificate (in some cases)
- Photos in Israeli passport format
Step 4: Interview with the Jewish Agency
You will be interviewed (often by video call) by a Jewish Agency shaliach (representative) who will verify your eligibility and discuss your plans. This is not a test — it is primarily verification and information sharing.
Step 5: Receive Your Aliyah Approval (Pre-Aliyah Visa)
Once approved, you receive an official aliyah approval letter. For group flights from North America, NBN coordinates charter or group flights several times per year with a ceremony on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
Step 6: Arrive in Israel — What Happens at the Airport
On arrival, you are met by NBN and Ministry of Aliyah staff. You receive your teudat oleh (immigrant identity document) at the airport, which activates your rights as a new immigrant. You will also begin the process of receiving your Israeli ID number (mispar zehut) and, shortly after, your teudat zehut (Israeli ID card).
Your Rights as a New Immigrant (Oleh Chadash)
New immigrants receive substantial state support during their absorption period (klita):
| Benefit | Amount / Duration |
|---|---|
| Absorption basket (sal klita) | ~₪20,000–₪25,000 total (paid in instalments over first year) |
| Ulpan Hebrew language course | Free intensive course, up to 500 hours |
| Income tax exemption on foreign income | 10 years |
| Import tax exemption (personal belongings) | 3 years to import duty-free |
| Free health insurance (Kupat Cholim) | 6 months (then standard NII contributions apply) |
| Mortgage assistance | Subsidised mortgage through Ministry of Aliyah |
The First 90 Days: Practical Checklist
- Open an Israeli bank account (Bank Leumi, Hapoalim, and Discount all serve new immigrants)
- Register with a Kupat Cholim (HMO health fund) — Maccabi, Clalit, Meuhedet, or Leumit
- Apply for your National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) number
- Register children in school (contact local municipality)
- Enrol in Ulpan Hebrew course
- Arrange your driving licence conversion (done through Ministry of Transport)
- Connect with your local absorption centre (merkaz klita) or municipality absorption department
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Hebrew language barrier
Ulpan is free and essential — start before you arrive if possible. Duolingo Hebrew, Pimsleur, and the Rosetta Stone Hebrew course are all useful pre-aliyah tools. Most Israeli bureaucratic offices now have English-speaking staff or English forms, but Hebrew will make your daily life considerably easier.
Finding housing quickly
Yad2.co.il is the main property listing site. Facebook groups for English-speaking olim in specific cities are extremely useful. Be aware that renting before buying is very common among new immigrants — do not rush into a purchase before you know which area suits you.
Getting your foreign qualifications recognised
Professional licensing varies by field. Doctors and lawyers must pass Israeli licensing exams. Teachers need Ministry of Education recognition. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration's credential recognition department handles most queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make aliyah if I am not halachically Jewish but have Jewish grandparents?
Yes, under the Law of Return's 1970 amendment you can make aliyah as a grandchild of a Jew, but you will not automatically receive Orthodox Jewish status in Israel. Your rights as a citizen are identical, but certain religious matters (marriage, divorce, burial) are handled by the rabbinate and may be complicated.
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
Israel does not require you to renounce your original citizenship. Many olim hold dual or triple citizenship. Your original country's laws on this vary — the US, UK, Canada, and Australia all permit dual citizenship.
What is the difference between the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh?
The Jewish Agency is the official body managing aliyah globally. Nefesh B'Nefesh is a non-profit that partners with the Jewish Agency specifically to assist North American, British, and more recently other Western olim, providing additional financial support, job placement help, and logistical coordination.
Further reading: Buying Property in Tel Aviv in 2026: Complete Cost Guide for Olim and Foreign Buyers — Jewish Property Report.
Further reading: Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Where Things Stand in Late 2026 — Jewish News Now.
Key Resources
- Nefesh B'Nefesh: nbn.org.il — North America and UK aliyah applications
- Jewish Agency: jewishagency.org — global aliyah coordination
- Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_aliya — official government benefits and services
- Bituach Leumi (National Insurance): btl.gov.il — benefits and registration
- Yad2: yad2.co.il — property rentals and sales in Israel
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Editorial Team is an Israeli publisher, media buyer, and experienced oleh writing practical aliyah guides for English-speaking Jews worldwide. AliyaToday covers real costs, bureaucratic steps, money-saving tips, and life in Israel — everything you need to make a successful aliyah.