Service in the IDF is obligatory for Israeli citizens. This law applies to:
- Citizens, whether they reside in Israel or abroad, even if they have another nationality.
- Permanent residents of Israel, even if they are not Israeli citizens.
Consulates abroad are authorized to perform certain services pertaining to military service. These include determining if one is obligated to serve in the military, verifying information on army service and granting deferments.
For all other matters, such as reserve duty (miluim) or physical examinations for draftees, you must contact IDF authorities in Israel directly:
The website of the IDF-Human Resources: https://www.mitgaisim.idf.il/english/
Every Israeli citizen, including those born abroad, must establish their army status at age of 17.
Upon entering Israel, every citizen above age 17 is required to show proof of military status. One’s status is determined by your obligation to serve in the IDF and eligibility for a deferment or release from the service. You can verify your army status through the Consulate.
As a general rule, an Israeli citizen who has left Israel with both parents before the age of 16 (age may be subject to change) or a child born abroad to an Israeli parent (whose family has not returned to live in Israel) is eligible for a deferment (not exemption). An army deferment means the individual does not need to serve in the military as long as s/he resides outside of Israel.
Note: it is important that you secure this deferment between the age of 16.4 - 19.
If eligible for deferment, upon review and confirmation of your status, you will be provided a written notice that your obligation to serve is deferred for as long as you reside abroad with your parents and you are permitted to visit Israel every year under certain conditions.
If your parents are divorced and one parent lives in Israel you must submit divorce documents highlighting the section that indicates the parent living abroad has custody of the child.
To determine whether you are eligible for the deferment, the following is required:
1. Once you are 16.4 years old, fill out application form, which must be signed by the applicant: Number 7202.pdf.
2. Present all of your and your parent’s Israeli and Canadian passports. The passports must cover the time period between your 12th birthday and the day you come to the Consulate. Passports are required as evidence of the amount of days you and your parents resided in or visited Israel. You will need to prove that you or your parents have not resided in Israel since you were 16 years old.
3. If you are not a Canadian citizen submit your visa or Permanent Resident card.
4. Submit an original letter from your elementary and high school proving that you are/were a student (Transcripts not accepted). This should cover the ages of 14-17.
Please make sure to bring all necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays.
If applicant is above 19 years old: Deferments of this type are subject to the decision of military authorities in Israel and not the Consulate. This may take 8 weeks, sometimes more.
If you left Israel after you turned 16: You may be able to defer military service until completion of your high-school studies and apply for only one year in college.
Submit the following:
1. Your passport.
2. Registration and Personal Request form Number 7202.pdf.
3. All of your and your parents Israeli and foreign passports (Israeli, Canadian and/or any nationality you might hold), including old and new passports.
4. Original letter from your academic institution (college or university) stating date of enrollment and date the last day of studies.
5. Original letters from your parents' employers and from your parents that explains their reason for staying here.
6. Application for a new passport or passport extension- Passports-and-Travel-Documents.aspx
Note: Deferments of this type are subject to decisions of military authorities in Israel. The Consulate does not have any part in making these decisions.