Military Status
This service is available through mail, email.
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General Information
Pursuant to Israeli law, anyone eligible for military service,
male or female, who normally resides overseas, must present him or herself in
the Consulate closest to his or her place of residence, when they reach the age
of 16 years and 4 months, in order to settle their military status.
If the person of eligible age is in Israel at this time, they
must present themselves at the Recruitment Office nearest to them.
- The arrangement of military status is done through email or by mail—there is no need to visit the consulate.
- In some cases, supporting documents for the request will be required, and there may be a waiting period for a response from the IDF's Meitav unit.
What is "Child of Immigrants" Status?
The 'Ben Mahagrim' (Child of Immigrants) status is granted to an Israeli citizen who was born abroad or left Israel for the purpose of immigration with their parents before reaching the age of 16. However, there are cases where the candidate for military service may not be eligible for this status or may be required to present additional evidence, such as in the following situations:
- If one parent resides in Israel, the candidate must prove that he is under the custody of the parent residing abroad.
- If both parents live in Israel, the candidate will not be recognized as 'Ben Mahagrim' by the IDF.
- An IDF candidate who is not eligible for the 'Ben Mahagrim' status may apply for a deferment of enlistment for the purpose of completing secondary education abroad.
- An IDF candidate who is not recognized as 'Ben Mahagrim' is not eligible for a deferment and is required to return to Israel.
To arrange the military status, please provide:
- A recent copy of the current Israeli passport of the parents (and a copy of a foreign passport if applicable).
- A copy of the passport of the candidate for military service (and a copy of a foreign passport if applicable).
- A completed and signed Military Status Arrangement form (7202). Download it here.
- You can submit the documents via email or by mail.
- To send the documents as a PDF file via email, click here.
- For mailing the documents, use the following address:
Consulate General of Israel,
Consular Department
800 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
10017
- For divorced parents: A court order or legally binding documents with a notary's signature and an apostille stamp.
- For those on shlichut (mission abroad): Confirmation of the mission with specified start and end dates.
- For studies in Israel: Confirmation of enrollment from the educational institution with specified start and end dates, along with a personal request letter.
- For 'Ben Mahagrim' who utilized a gap year through the 'Masa' program: Participation confirmation with specified start and end dates.
Military Deferral and Visiting Limitations
If a decision is made to defer the military service of the IDF candidate while he stays abroad with his parents, the diplomatic/consular representative will clarify the conditions and limitations that apply to him regarding the duration of his visits and those of his parents to Israel.
For additional information regarding the conditions and limitations during the deferment of military service, entitlements for high school studies/academic studies/yeshiva studies in Israel, please visit the 'Mitgayesim' website.