A/1 Temporary Resident visa; how to experience living in Israel 

People who receive the A/1 visa will also receive the Teudat Zehut booklet. It’s the Israeli compulsory identity document issued by the Ministry of Interior. However, visa holders do not have permission to have an Israeli travel document.

Israel A/1 Temporary Resident visa is only valid for three years. The authorities permit you to extend it for another two years. But you can not extend it after five years of living in the country under the A/1 visa. Then, you can apply for an A/5 visa which you can extend every two years, or apply for Aliyah.

The A/1 visa permits you to:

• Continue holding Teudat Zehut
• Work in Israel
• receive health coverage through Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute).

Note: If your parents are Israeli citizens, you are not eligible for an A/1 Temporary Resident visa. If it’s so, you need to apply for Israeli citizenship. Holding an A/1 visa doesn’t indicate that you have to serve in the IDF or the Army, and you can’t vote in the national election as well.

Who is eligible to apply for an A/1 Temporary Resident visa?

Anyone who is eligible to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return is also qualified to apply for an A/1 Temporary Resident Visa. In other words, you need to come into one of the following categories to be eligible:

• Have Jewish roots.
• Are an official convert to Judaism.
• Married to a Jew.

As explained, if you have Jewish parents, you are not eligible for the program, and you need to apply for an Israel passport.

Remember that your background and identity documents need to prove that you have a Jewish background. Also, the officials need a police certificate and background information that will pose no risk or threat to the Israel community.

What are the Israel A/1 Temporary Resident visa requirements?

The requirements for Israel A/1 Temporary Resident areas follows:

Application form

There might be a different form; ensure you download and complete the right one with the true form of your documents.

Photos

Two passport-size photographs in 5.5 cm X 5.5 sizes are required.

Passport

It must hold validity for more than six months over the date you will leave Israel. Your old passports are also required.

Photos

Two passport-size photos in 5.5 cm X 5.5 sizes are required.

Personal documents

• Your birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

Confirmation letter from a recognized rabbi:

A letter from a verified rabbi (spiritual leader or religious teacher in Judaism) is required to confirm you are Jewish and were born to a Jewish mother. It must include congregations:

• Full name
• Location
• Phone number
• Your name
• Parent’s names
• Grandparents’ names (if applicable)

Bea in mind that the rabbi’s signature and name must be written on the letterhead.

Proof of Religious conversion

Provide evidence or proof if you have converted to Judaism. Further instructions will be announced.

Israel A/1 Temporary Resident visa application process

The application process for Israel A/1 Temporary Resident visa is as follows:

1. Determine if you are eligible or not

Before you begin doing anything, find out if you are eligible for the A/1 Temporary Resident visa or not. As explained, not everyone can apply for the program, and you need to fall into the three mentioned categories. If you do so, continue the process.

2. Complete the application form

You need to complete the digital form on your computer, then print the date and sign it. Bear in mind to complete the right application form for the A/1 Temporary Resident visa as there are different ones. You should also attach a photo of yourself to the form.

You could get the form from the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. If one is not available, a visa center might be conducting the immigration procedures.

3. Find out where to apply

To apply for the A/1 Temporary Resident visa, you need to enter Israel as a tourist or visitor. If you need a visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa and then enter the country.

Find the Population and Immigration Bureau in the city. You need to reserve a meeting with them and provide all the requirements.

4. Collect the required supporting documents

You also need to prove that you are eligible for the A/1 Temporary Resident visa. You need to prove it through supporting documents. Look at the section below to know the list. Begin gathering them a bit earlier and be fussy in collecting the mas the officials are strict over requirements.

5. Wait until the visa gets processed

Now you need to wait until the authorities work on your visa and prepare it. The processing time is at least one week, and you will get the decision on your application as soon as possible.

How long can you stay in Israel under the A/1 Temporary Resident visa?

Israel A/1 Temporary Resident visa permits you to stay in the country for three years. When the visa is about to expire, you can apply to extend it for another two years. Bear in mind that you can only stay in Israel under the program for five years. In case you wish to stay longer, you have two options to pick one from:

• Apply for Aliyah.
• Apply for an A-5 visa; you can extend it every two years.

Whether leaving Israel or continue living there is a choice you have to make.

Let’s sum up…

If you have changed your religion to Judaism or have ancestors who were Jewish, you can apply for an A/1 Temporary Resident visa. It allows you to live in Israel and experience the country before becoming a citizen.

The article explained who is eligible for an A/1 Temporary Resident visa, requirements, and the application process.

If you need to know more about other types of Israel visas, look at the left sidebar. You could also find out about other countries’ visas by looking at the top menu.

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