Every person holding Israeli citizenship, whether living in Israel or abroad, is considered a potential recruit for security service. This institutional definition, established in Israeli law, essentially means that it does not matter if the Israeli citizen is physically in the country or has moved abroad – they must enlist in the IDF when the time comes and serve like any other Israeli citizen. So, what do you do when you are of draft or reserve age and interested in immigrating to Canada?
Potential Recruit Status
Before you move to Canada, you must arrange your potential recruit status with the IDF. Keep in mind that if you fail to do so, you may incur a criminal offense, the penalty for which can include imprisonment and the delay/denial of privileges for leaving/staying in Israel or Canada. To avoid such unpleasantness, without jeopardizing your desire to move to Canada, you need to obtain a legal status called “immigrant’s child.” This status allows a citizen immigrating with their parents to Canada to receive a service deferral, as long as they meet the conditions set by the IDF.
IDF in Israel, Immigration to Canada
It is important to know that the IDF views those who fail to arrange their “immigrant’s child” status severely, which can deteriorate into a situation defined as “evasion of military service,” with the penalties prescribed by law. The advance approval from the IDF, regarding exemption from military service, allows you to be classified as those authorized to stay in Israel for up to 120 days a year. Additionally, you must submit the “immigrant’s child” request no later than age 16 and with evidence that your stay abroad will be under your parents’ guardianship.
Planning immigration to Canada for a fixed period or permanently? It is important to arrange the aforementioned approval with experts who are familiar with the intricacies of Canadian immigration laws, to enable a smooth and problem-free transition.
