Reuniting families is a critical and sensitive endeavor, especially when it involves elderly parents who are unable to make Aliyah under the law of return. Understanding the nuances and complexities of this process is essential to ensure that no elderly parent remains alone abroad. This guide was prepared to assist the applicants through each step of applying for a visa for your elderly parents, who do not qualify for Aliyah under the criteria of the law of return.
Step 1: Checking eligibility requirements before starting the application process, it’s important to ascertain if your elderly parent meets the necessary criteria:
Age Requirement: The process applies to fathers who are over 64 years old and mothers over 62.
Family Location: The parent must not have any children residing outside of Israel.
Marital Status: The parent should be either widowed or divorced. This is a crucial factor in the application process as it pertains to their need for family reunification in Israel.
Step 2: Document preparation is an important stage of the visa application process. Here are the documents you need to prepare:
- Passport: Ensure the applicant’s passport is valid for at least two years from the date of application.
- Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs are required for identification purposes.
- Explanation Letter: A detailed letter explaining the reasons for applying, including the emotional and physical needs of the parent.
- Health Insurance: Secure valid health insurance coverage for your parent, which is mandatory for the duration of their stay in Israel.
- Original Documents with Apostille Stamp: This includes the birth certificates of both the parent and the Israeli child, a document verifying the parent’s current marital status, and a comprehensive criminal background check from all countries where the parent has resided for more than six months.
Step 3: Scheduling an appointment with the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
You can initiate the application whether your parent is in Israel or abroad. However, note that applications will be automatically rejected if the parent has been in Israel illegally for over six months.
Step 4: Understanding post-approval procedures once the application is approved, the visa process varies based on the parent’s age and circumstances:
- For mothers aged 62 to 65: A B/2 visa will be issued, valid for 27 months. Upon reaching 65, or after the initial 27 months, a B/1 visa will be granted. For mothers over 70: After 2 years on a B/1 visa, or immediately upon reaching 70 years, an A/5 visa is issued for two years. For mothers aged 75 and above: an A/5 visa is granted immediately.
- For fathers aged 64 to 67: A B/2 visa will be issued, valid for 27 months. Upon reaching 67, or after the initial 27 months, a B/1 visa will be granted. For mothers over 70: After 2 years on a B/1 visa, or immediately upon reaching 70 years, an A/5 visa is issued for two years. For mothers aged 75 and above: an A/5 visa is granted immediately.
Permanent Residency Consideration: After two years with an A/5 visa, the possibility of permanent residency is opened.
Navigating the visa application process for elderly parents is a journey filled with legal intricacies and emotional considerations. It is crucial to approach this process with a comprehensive understanding and compassionate attention to detail. This guide aims to ensure a smooth and clear pathway to bringing families together, emphasizing the profound importance of reuniting with elderly parents.