Change of Status - Aliyah Within Israel
The Step-by-Step process through Misrad HaPnim
People with special status (i.e. Katin Chozer or Ezrach Oleh), as well as potential Olim who have undergone a private conversion to Judaism (in Israel or abroad) and want to make aliyah while in Israel, must do so through the Misrad HaPnim.
Note: If you are a regular Oleh Chadash you can choose to change your status either through the Jewish Agency or Misrad HaPnim.
Book an Appointment
Go in person to the Misrad HaPnim branch in your city with your valid passport in hand and schedule an appointment at the Aliyah department.
Please note that some agencies in smaller cities do not offer this service and will direct you to an agency in a bigger city.
Required Documents
Photo: Two printed photos (3 x 4) that only include your face on a white background.
Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least one more year.
Entry Visa: You need your entry visa to Israel and the renewal (if relevant).
Proof of Judaism: An original letter (digital versions or signatures are not accepted), stating your eligibility status, is required. The letter must be written in Hebrew and meet strict conditions. For more details click here.
Birth Certificate with Apostille: The document must be original and cannot be replaced by other certificates or identity cards. More details on the apostille can be found here.
Background Check with Apostille:
You need an official criminal background check certified by apostille issued by a federal law enforcement authority of:
- The country where you were born
- Any country you lived for more than one year after reaching age 18
- The countries whose citizenship you currently hold, even if you have never lived there.
More details on the background check can be found here.
Civil Status Certificate with Apostille:
- You need your marriage certificate certified by apostille.
- If you were married more than once, you have to submit all relevant certificates (i.e. marriage/divorce or death certificates of your spouse).
- Some Misrad HaPnim offices require a certificate of unmarried status. If your country of origin does not issue this type of document, you will have to make an official declaration before an Israeli notary declaring that you have never been married.
More details on the apostille can be found here.
Notarized Translations: In addition to the apostille seal, all civil documents other than the passport (i.e. Birth, Marriage, Death and Criminal Record Certificates) must be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli notary.
Forms from Misrad HaPnim: Each Oleh must submit their own forms filled out in Hebrew (unless specified in Hebrew and English).
All of them must should remain unsigned until the interview
Documents Submission and Interview
For the interview, make sure to bring all the original documents mentioned above (with their respective apostilles and notarized translations) and the unsigned forms.
Tip: It is recommended to have copies of all documents on hand to facilitate the process.
Aliyah Approval and ID
After having the interview, you will either proceed to receive your biometric Teudat Zehut ID card, or Teudat Zehut number and instructions on how to receive the actual card.
The Step-by-step process through the Jewish Agency
The Shinui Status procedure, if done through the Jewish Agency, eliminates the requirement for candidates to provide officially translated documents by an Israeli notary. Thus, if you are eligible it is advisable to go through the process this way.
Eligibility
In order to qualify to apply through the Jewish Agency, the Oleh must meet the following criteria:
- This process applies only to those becoming Olim Chadashim. If you have a special status (e.g. Ezrach Oleh or Katin Chozer), you can only change your status via Misrad HaPnim.
- If you are a convert, only a conversion by the Israeli Rabbanut in Israel enables you to apply via the Jewish Agency.
Opening the Shinui Status File
Call the Jewish Agency’s Global Aliyah Center at 1800-228055 (from Israel) and open your file. You will then receive by email the list of documents and forms needed to start your Aliyah process as noted below.
Note: Save the email address and the name of the person in charge of your file at the Global Aliyah Center
Required Documents
Photo: Two printed photos (3 x 4) that only include your face on a white background.
Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least one more year.
Entry Visa: You need your entry visa to Israel and the renewal (if relevant).
Proof of Judaism: An original letter (digital versions or signatures are not accepted), stating your eligibility status, is required. You can check with the Global Aliyah Center the possibility of providing the letter in another language other than Hebrew if applicable.
Birth Certificate with Apostille: The document must be the original birth certificate and cannot be replaced by other certificates or identity cards.
More details on the apostille can be found here.
Background Check with Apostille: You need an official criminal background check certified by apostille issued by a federal law enforcement authority of:
- The country where you were born
- Any country you lived for more than one year after reaching age 18
- The countries whose citizenship you currently hold, even if you have never lived there.
More details on the background check can be found here.
Civil Status Certificate with Apostille:
- You need your marriage certificate certified by apostille.
- If you were married more than once, you have to submit all relevant certificates (i.e. marriage/divorce or death certificates of your spouse).
More details on the apostille can be found here.
Notarized Translations: There is no need to submit notarized translations for Shinui Status made through the Jewish Agency unless the Global Center explicitly requests it.
Note: Additional documents may be requested.
Documents Submission
Send all the above-mentioned documents (and any additional ones requested by the clerk) to the Jewish Agency’s Global Center to the email address from which you received the list of documents.
Make sure that documents are legible and in PDF format.
In addition to the required documents, you need to provide the Global Aliyah Center with the information below via email or phone call:
- The full name and birth dates of your parents
- Your complete current address and phone number
Interview
The Jewish Agency will send an interview request to Misrad HaPnim on your behalf. The interview will be done by a representative of Misrad HaPnim in Hebrew.
Note: You must bring all original documents to the interview!
Tip: Call the Global Aliyah Center to confirm your appointment a day before your interview.
Aliyah Approval and ID
After having the interview, you will either proceed to receive your biometric Teudat Zehut ID card, or the Jewish Agency will make another appointment for you.