Aliyah

Start by opening a file with the Jewish Agency’s Global Service Centre.

You can do so here: https://www.jewishagency.org/aliyah-2/

Global Service Centre contact details:

Toll Free:  1800 445 781

WhatsAPP: +972 52 474 0024
[The Centre is open between 5:30pm-3:00am AEST]

Email: gci-en@jafi.org

*Please note that response time can sometimes take up to two weeks due to increased volume in open files*

Once you have opened your file, download Aliyapp which provides personalised support and advice for your Aliyah experience. Sign up here.

Once your file is processed by the Jewish Agency’s Global Service Centre, your Local Aliyah Department will contact you to schedule an interview (please note this process can take a few weeks).

Your Local Aliyah Department will work with you to gather all the required documentation.

Australian Aliyah Contacts:

Jewish Agency Representative
Email: sarari@jafi.org

Aliyah Coordinator
Tel: (03) 9272 5688

Email: ozAliya@jafi.org

Aliyah Encouragement

Tel: (03) 9272 5569

Email: aliyahaustralia@jafi.org

Once your application is approved, our team will support you with next steps – including helpful contacts and practical advice to ensure a smooth transition to life in Israel.

Check out the useful resources and FAQ sections below.

Join our mailing list HERE.

Receive updates on upcoming Aliyah events, newsletters and community resources to help with your Aliyah journey.

Explore available Aliyah program opportunities HERE.

Telfed is the South African and Australian Olim Society in Israel. Its core goal is to support olim settle into their new life in Israel.

Website:  www.telfed.org.il
Email: info@telfed.org.il

Opportunities and pathways for high school programs:

Naale Elite Academy – more details here.

Opportunities and pathways for higher education:

Israel Student Authority – more details here.

Telfed scholarships – more details here.

Gvahim is a not-for-profit organisation that supports individuals throughout
their Aliyah journey, helping them navigate life in Israel and make informed choices about work, and future professional development.

Gvahim offer a free pre-Aliyah programme which includes informative sessions, personalised consultations and opportunities for networking.

Complete registration form HERE or contact Danit, Pre-Aliyah Programme Coordinator, on WhatsApp: +972 55 257 4777.

Telfed Job Board – https://www.telfed.org.il/job-board/

Nefesh B’Nefesh Job Board – https://www.nbn.org.il/jobboard/

Explore different cities and communities in Israel 

https://www.nbn.org.il/community-guide/municipal-klita-coordinators/

Or if you already know where you want to live and wish to speak with a local representative. Click here. https://www.telfed.org.il/contact-us/

The International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP)

A joint initiative of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Physicians Olim Directorate, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, and Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel.

IMAP supports physicians worldwide in making Aliyah by streamlining licensing, employment connections, and professional integration, helping address Israel’s physician shortage while strengthening communities across the country. More information here.

Start by opening a file with the Jewish Agency’s Global Service Centre

You can do so here: https://www.jewishagency.org/aliyah-2/

If you would like to speak to a Global Centre representative beforehand, please use the below details:

Toll Free: 1800 445 781
WhatsAPP: +972 52 474 0024
Email: gci-en@jafi.org
[The Centre is open between 5:30pm-3:00am AEST]

After you open your Aliyah file, they will email you an online questionnaire.  Once you fill out and submit the questionnaire your file will be active and we will have access to it here in our office.  There is a person at the Global Centre who is dedicated to all Australian Olim.  At this point, they will contact you and guide you through the process from the time of opening your Aliyah file until you are at the point that you are ready for the interview.  This includes deciphering your status, guiding you in relation to required documentation and ensuring you are successful in filling out the portal and uploading all your documents.  The Global team will alert the local Australian staff when you are ready for your interview.

Oleh Chadash (New immigrant): An Oleh with no Israeli background

Katin Chozer (Returning minor): An Oleh born in Israel or made Aliyah to Israel and left Israel before the age of 14

Ezrach Oleh: An Oleh born overseas to a parent/s with Israeli citizenship

If none of these definitions explain your status or you are still unsure, please contact the office so we can help guide you.

The documents required for Aliyah will depend on your personal status (Ezrach Oleh, Katin Chozer, Oleh Chadash).
Documents Required for ALL Aliyah Statuses:

• Proof of Judaism

• Australian passport

• Original birth certificate

• Marriage certificate(s)

• Divorce certificate / change of name certificate / spouse death certificate

• Law of Return / Restrictions Form (LORR)

• Masa or IDF documentation (if applicable)

• Apostille stamps on all applicable official documents

For more details and specifics, please contact: aliyahaustralia@jafi.org

Yes. Oleh Hadash applicants are required to provide a police check as part of the Aliyah process.

Who needs a police check?
You must provide a police check from every country where you have lived for more than one year since the age of 14, excluding Israel.
Applicants living in Australia must obtain an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.

How do I apply?
Australian police checks are applied for online through the Australian Federal Police. When asked for what purpose, you can choose the overseas visa option. Once submitted, you will receive the police check directly from the AFP.

Does the police check need an apostille?
Yes. The police check must be apostilled by DFAT before it can be accepted. Apostilles can be obtained either in person at a DFAT office (by appointment) or by post.

How long is the police check valid for?
Police checks are valid for 6 months only.
They must be valid both when your Aliyah application is submitted and when you arrive in Israel. For this reason, timing is important and we recommend waiting until you are advised to apply.

Acceptable proof of Judaism is a letter the Rabbi of your local synagogue provides confirming how you are Jewish.

The wording needs to include that you are born Jewish born to a Jewish mother and her name and a Jewish father and his name written. If it is only one parent then include the Jewish parent’s detail. This must be written on official synagogue letterhead and hand signed. The letter must have been written in the same year you are making the application.

If this is not possible, contact the Aliyah office to discuss alternative solutions.

Olim may be entitled to up to 500 hours of free Hebrew studies. The Jewish Agency programs are offered through recognized Ulpan frameworks and are subject to eligibility criteria.

The Ulpan benefit is available for up to 10 years after making Aliyah.

For more information about public Ulpan, please contact your local absorption (klita) coordinator:
https://www.nbn.org.il/community-guide/municipal-klita-coordinators/

You can also find a list of public Ulpans here:
https://www.nbn.org.il/directories/ulpan/

Please note that individuals must reach out directly to the relevant coordinator or Ulpan to apply.