Moving to Israel from Canada

More and more Canadians are returning to their historical homeland, Israel. That seems odd. Canada is a great country in many ways, is it not? Sure thing, but there are a number of reasons for this.

The scariest, most serious issue is the increase in anti-Semitism – a painful manifestation of hatred. However, it’s not the only reason people choose to relocate. In fact, around 50% of North Americans who have made Aliyah since October 2024 were motivated by Zionism and only. These are purely cultural or religious individuals who just want to be part of Jewish history and to live in their homeland.

They’ve already been to Israel and know the local customs. Since 10 October, there have been 524 applications for Aliyah from Canadians, up from 187 in the last quarter of 2022. Also, almost 900 Canadians have said they plan to perform Aliyah in 2024. In total, 3,709 applicants are planning to immigrate from North America, which is a 142% increase compared to last year.

Aliyah for Jewish

The Law of Return confers the right of repatriation (Aliyah, that is) upon individuals who are legally recognized as Jews and their spouses and children. The program ensures that these very people automatically become Israeli citizens, without the need for residency permits, and without any additional requirements.

Moreover, repatriates are not required to prove income or to relinquish their citizenship in another country. For those with Jewish roots, this is likely to be the best option.

Work and study visas

There are various visa options open to Canadians wishing to enter and reside in Israel. Category B:

Additionally, there are other visa categories, namely A. Canadians may wish to consider applying for one of the following:

Electronic travel authorization (ETA)

On 1 July 2024, the State of Israel introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA, that is). An online application, which has to be completed at least 72 hours prior to departure. Also, the applicant is required to attach copies of the passport, round-trip tickets, health insurance and other travel details.

Should the permit be approved, it remains valid for a period of two years or until the passport expires.

Please note that without an ETA you won’t be able to board a plane. It’s also important to remember that an ETA does not guarantee entry into Israel. If you are denied entry, you can appeal to the Israeli Embassy in Canada.

Further details on the topic can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page 

Taxes in Israel and Canada

Israel’s system is residency-based, taxing worldwide income of residents, with foreign credits available. While generally a withholding system, not all residents file annual returns: both new immigrants and returning residents enjoy a ten-year exemption on foreign-source income.

As for now, the individual tax rates in Israel are:

Canada is a bit more interesting. Terminating the residency status in Canada has some consequences. For instance, there’s the *departure tax*, which literally implies that an individual who leaves the country is liable to pay tax on the assumption that all their assets are sold on the date of their departure.

On top of paying this tax, you also have to fill out extra tax forms if you’re leaving Canada. And if you don’t submit these forms on time, you could be looking at penalties of up to $2,500 for each one. As for Canada’s tax regime, it’s pretty reasonable overall. But the Israel doesn’t have this departure tax, so it makes it way better.

Support measures

Those who opt for repatriation can avail themselves of a number of bonuses, which will enhance the initial experience of residing. Thus, Israel provides a multifaceted and comprehensive support system for repatriates, encompassing a wide range of subsidies across various domains: material, educational, and even taxation-related. Sal Klita, for example. It’s an Absorption Basket, a financial assistance program provided to all incoming immigrants during the initial six-month period following their arrival.

Those who are eligible to receive it are as follows:

• Those who have returned to Israel for the first time and opened a bank account;
• Those who have resettled in the country for a period of less than one year at the time of application.
• Minor repatriates.

Naturally, there are additional benefits. Hebrew language courses, for instance. These are provided through Ulpans, which, in general, can even be said to offer more than just language learning. The thing is, they do provide full immersion in Israeli culture and traditions, thus accelerating social and cultural adaptation. Such programs provide training up to the second level of language competence (which is Bet) for those who don’t speak Hebrew at all.

However, those with a basic knowledge of the language may choose from a wide range of courses at varying levels of intensity. The standard ulpan lasts approximately five months. Free tuition is permitted for ten years from the date of arrival in the country, with the option of day or evening classes. Additionally, there are some specialized programs that have been developed for returnees with higher education, tailored to their professional field – in order to facilitate more effective integration into the local labor market.

Canadian communities in Israel

Israel also boasts Canadian communities, which provide a degree of familiarity and comfort for newcomers. It’s pretty much evident that the number of Canadians residing here isn’t as considerable as that of their counterparts from USA.

Nevertheless, they do constitute a discernible presence. The most substantial assistance is provided by organizations such as AACI. However, this particular example can be applied to all English-speakers in general, not just Canadians.

There are many considerations that need to go into making the final decision to emigrate, not least of which are tax implications. But there’s more to it than that. Security, peace of mind and a sense of commitment to one’s true homeland are probably the most important factors in the decision to move. Many people are also confronted with anti-Semitism, which isn’t really only in Canada, yet in many Western countries in general.