United States and Canada
From North America, you apply through a single online application with Nefesh B'Nefesh, which covers both Nefesh B'Nefesh services and the Jewish Agency's eligibility process. You then meet a Jewish Agency shaliach (aliyah representative) and present your original documents. The Jewish Agency authorizes aliyah under the Law of Return; Nefesh B'Nefesh provides aliyah services and resources.
United Kingdom
Nefesh B'Nefesh provides aliyah services in the UK, but the formal application is opened with the Jewish Agency. Nefesh B'Nefesh's application page directs UK applicants to contact the Jewish Agency to start, and a Jewish Agency shaliach opens the aliyah file (tik aliyah).
France
From France, aliyah is handled by the Jewish Agency (Agence juive). You start with its online questionnaire; an account manager then opens your online file. Lire ce guide en français.
Other countries
In most other countries, you start with the Jewish Agency's online questionnaire or its Global Service Center. In countries of the former Soviet Union, eligibility checks also involve Nativ, an Israeli government liaison office.
Already in Israel?
You can make aliyah from within Israel through the Population and Immigration Authority. Nefesh B'Nefesh runs a Guided Aliyah program for US and Canadian citizens already living in Israel.
Wherever you live
The eligibility rules are the same everywhere: see Law of Return eligibility. The documents are broadly the same too: see documents to gather now.
Our petition asks the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B'Nefesh to establish a national registry, so that Jews in every country can learn in advance whether they are eligible. Get Out Now is independent and does not speak for either organization.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Eligibility and procedures are decided only by the official process; always confirm current requirements with the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Related guides
- Emergency aliyah: how it works todayWhat emergency aliyah means, how the Jewish Agency expedited aliyah during the 2022 Ukraine crisis, what to do if you are in danger, and what a registry would change.
- How to make aliyah fasterThe official aliyah steps, the documents the Jewish Agency asks for, and practical ways to avoid delays. The process usually takes 3 to 6 months.
- Law of Return eligibility: who can make aliyah?Who is eligible to make aliyah under Israel's Law of Return, 1950: Jews, children and grandchildren of Jews, and spouses, plus the exceptions in the law.
- Is there a Nefesh B'Nefesh or Jewish Agency emergency registry?What exists today (aliyah applications, the Jewish Agency questionnaire) and what our petition asks for: a national registry to pre-verify Law of Return eligibility.