Israel A/1 temporary resident visa under the Law of Return

The A/1 is open to people entitled to immigrate (make aliyah) under the Law of Return, 1950. PIBA describes two routes for them: the immigrant visa for those who want to live in Israel permanently, and the A/1 for those who want to consider settling over a period of up to five years.

You need a foreign passport valid for at least six months with copies of its pages, passport photos, proof of eligibility under the Law of Return and a letter explaining the request. Proof may be an original birth certificate, confirmation from a Jewish community or other documents establishing Jewish descent.

Documents must be translated into Hebrew by a notary, except certificates in English or Arabic. Documents from countries party to the Hague Convention generally need an apostille.

The A/1 request is filed in person at a local PIBA office in Israel and the NIS 195 fee is paid there. Applicants abroad who are eligible under the Law of Return deal with the Jewish Agency or Nativ, whose certificate of eligibility is required by Israeli missions.

The visa lets you live and work in Israel for five years. During that time you can decide whether to settle permanently. Changes of status and extensions of temporary residence are handled by PIBA through its extension and change-of-category service.