Please Remember

The process of changing status in Israel takes approximately one month but can take longer! You are still a tourist until the process is completed. Also: aside from the chart above If you are here for more then 18 out of the past 36 months and/or 3 years out of the last seven, you will not be entitled to the Absorption Basket.

Definition of Rights

Absorption:

University tuition, Ulpan, business loans, initial absorption (6 months free health insurance if your unemployed, ride from the airport, etc...)

Housing:

Rental Subsidy and mortgages. You are entitled to rental subsidy (note that the first year it is part of the Absorption Basket) for 5 years (unless you have been here more than 36 months as a tourist - in which case you are entitled to rental subsidy for 3 years). Mortgages, are valid for 10 years. You are entitled to a mortgage regardless of the amount of rental subsidy of which you have availed yourself. The amount you receive for housing rights depends on the number of olim in your family.

Q: How do you calculate the time spent in Israel as a tourist?

Basically, if you are in the country for more than 4 consecutive months or for more than 4 months within the same year, that time gets counted.

For example if you came for a visit in 1992 for a month during the winter and 2 months in the summer, it will NOT be included in the 36 months total.

If you visited for January and February, and then one month in June and one month in September, so that the time you spent in Israel adds up to 4 complete months, then they WILL count in the total 36.

If you spent a year in Israel but leave for a few weeks vacation, then those few weeks will NOT be added into the count.

Please note that if you came here in October and stayed until February, even though you were not here for four months during each year it will be added up and counted. A few of the questions most frequently asked about this are:

Q: When will all this happen?

On the day you go to get your Teudat Oleh (Immigrant's Certificate) booklet the clerk at the Ministry of Absorption will put your name into the computer and tally the number of months that you have been in Israel.


Q: Does having a different passport have any effect?

No, everything goes according to your name.


Q: How do they keep a record?

All entries and exits are automatically registered at the airport.


Q: How can I get information prior to my Aliyah?

The best way is to keep an accurate record for yourself. If you never did then you can get a pretty reliable accounting of the past 7 [approx] years directly from the Ministry of Interior. There is a slight charge. Ask for a list of Knissot V'Yetziot (Arrivals and Departures).


Q: Will the time that I spent in Israel as a tourist ever be erased? 

 Any time spent in Israel more than 7 years prior to your aliyah date will not be counted in this calculation! So when we talk about 36 or 60 months, we are speaking about time that was spent in Israel only within the last 7 years.

Please remember that this is general information only, and may not apply to your individual situation. Please check with your local aliyah shaliach or with the Israeli Ministry of Absorption offices.