Israel A/1 temporary resident visa

The Israel A/1 Temporary Resident Visa offers a unique opportunity for individuals of Jewish descent who are considering making Aliyah to live in Israel on a temporary basis before committing to full citizenship. This visa grants the right to reside in the country, as well as to work, study, and access certain social services. In this article, we’ll break down who qualifies for the A/1 visa, how the application process works, and what benefits it provides for those exploring the possibility of repatriation.

What is a temporary residency visa in Israel?

The A/1 (Alef 1) is a particular type of a tourist visa. It’s a repatriation visa, or a temporary residence permit in Israel which is given to individuals who have a right for a procedure of repatriation, or aliyah (this word is translated as “ascent”). Those who are Jewish by birth or have undergone the giyur procedure can repatriate. Such a possibility is also offered to relatives of the representatives of this nationality (children, grandchildren).

Let’s look at the features that the A/1 visa provides:

There are some restrictions that distinguish the status of an A/1 visa holder from an Israeli citizen. Owners of the document cannot obtain the country’s passport. This person has no right to vote in elections, or get a job in government agencies.

Step-by-step application process

The procedure for obtaining an Israeli A/1 visa consists of several stages. Let’s enumerate them:

1. Collecting a package of papers. The dossier contains evidence of the right to repatriate based on a Jewish origin. According to the requirements, these are usually birth and marriage certificates, extracts from archival records and registers.
2. Contacting the necessary organisations. Candidates personally appear at the consulate or Embassy of Israel in the states of residence. Then, these people need to fill out an application that is necessary for a visa and add the collected package of papers. All extracts and certificates must be presented in their original form.
3. Passing the consular check. The applicant confirms his right to undergo repatriation. If the candidate plans to migrate with his family, every member of it, including children over 3 years old, follows him in order to be checked.
4. Waiting for a decision. The review process may have different timelines. But it is recommended to start the procedure 6 months before the desired departure date.

The list of documents can be changed and supplemented depending on each individual case. The applicant is advised to collect all the evidence he has.

Benefits of A/1 visa holders

There are several advantages for document owners.

• They have the same social rights as Israeli citizens. If necessary, the visa holder receives free medical insurance, unemployment or disability benefits.
• The second advantage is a work or study permit without any restrictions.
• The third plus is a reduction in tax on income in Israel.
• Finally, holders of the document are given simplified taxation when buying real estate (in case of confirmation of a resident status).

For more detailed information on issues related to these opportunities, an applicant can contact us.

Renewing and transitioning to permanent residency or citizenship

An A/1 visa in Israel is issued for a period of five years. There is no possibility of an extension for the first three years. And in the next two years, it is provided after the presentation of the relevant application.

To extend a visa, a person doesn’t need to prove a permanent stay in Israel. In other words, you can live there as long as it is convenient during the entire period. If you’re going to prolong an A/1 visa, contact a professional specializing in immigration to Israel.

When the validity period of the document expires, you can apply for aliyah (receiving the status of a repatriate) or an A/5 visa (this one allows you to continue to legally reside and work in the country). After a certain period of living in the state, repatriates receive a permanent residence permit. It provides the same benefits as citizenship, in addition to the right to participate in elections and obtain an Israeli passport.

Repatriates can apply for citizenship if they meet these requirements:

For more detailed information and advice on a specific case and the cost of the services, it is recommended to contact a lawyer specializing in migration issues.