The service is provided to Israeli citizens and permanent residents of Israel, from the age of 16 and 4 months, who live or are staying abroad.
By email – The applicant must send the application by email, together with all the required documents plus a photocopy of his/her passport, and if either or both of his parents are Israeli citizens, a photocopy of their passport.
The consular representative will decide, at his/her discretion, whether the applicant must appear in person at the mission.
Registration form/Application to defer military service for Israeli citizens staying abroad (Form 7202).
To visit the mission, it is necessary schedule an appointment in advance.
Before coming to the mission, make sure you have with you all the required documents and completed forms.
Payment must be made according to the Consular fee Chart.
According to the law, any person subject to military service, male or female, residing abroad permanently in any status, will be required, upon reaching the age of 16 years and 4 months, to arrange their status as a "child of immigrants" with the IDF at the nearest consulate to their place of residence.
What is the status of "child of immigrants"?
The "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 (draft candidate) will not be eligible for this status or will be required to provide additional proof, such as in the following cases:
- If one of the parents lives in Israel, the draft candidate must prove that they are under the care of the parent residing abroad.
- If both parents live in Israel, the draft candidate will not be recognized as a "child of immigrants."
- A draft candidate who is not eligible for the "child of immigrants" status will be allowed to apply for a deferral of enlistment to complete secondary school studies abroad.
- A draft candidate who is not recognized as a "child of immigrants" is not eligible for a deferral of enlistment and must return to Israel.
Required Documents for Arranging the Status as a Child of Immigrants:
- Application form (link)
- Copy of the parents' valid Israeli passport (and a copy of their foreign passport, if applicable)
- Copy of the draft candidate’s passport (and a copy of their foreign passport, if applicable)
- In the case of divorced parents – a court order or custody documents notarized with an apostille stamp.
- Children of diplomats – diplomatic certificate with start and end dates.
- Studies in Israel – confirmation of participation from the educational institution, indicating the start and end dates of secondary education and a personal request letter.
- A child of immigrants who participated in the "Masa" program – confirmation of participation with start and end dates.
To arrange the status via mail, please attach all the application documents along with the signed application form and send them to the consulate address:
11766 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.
Deferral of Service and Restrictions on Visiting Israel:
If it is decided to defer the draft candidate's service while they are abroad with their parents, the diplomatic or consular representative will clarify the terms and restrictions regarding the periods of time that the candidate and their parents are allowed to visit Israel.
For additional information on the conditions and restrictions regarding a service deferral, eligibility for high school studies, academic studies, or studies in a yeshiva in Israel, please visit the "MEITAV" website.