Compulsory Military Service for Iranian Abroad
Target outcome
Up-to-date guidelines
Secure travel
One of the concerns for many Iranian families is mandatory military service (Sarbazi) and the challenges it poses for men subject to this obligation, especially those living abroad. Lack of awareness regarding the changing conscription laws, particularly for overseas citizens, can lead to poor decision-making and serious disruptions to their lives and careers.
Today, a large number of young Iranians, before entering university or after graduating from a university in Iran, are inclined to immigrate to countries like Europe, America, Canada, Australia, and more recently, Turkey, India, China, Malaysia, and even Cyprus for further studies, life, work, and residence.
While pursuing various issues related to obtaining admission, obtaining a visa, paying tuition fees, releasing academic records, residence, and other matters, the crucial issue of military service and clarifying the latest academic status is sometimes overlooked. Receiving incorrect advice or lacking awareness of the legal complexities can lead to significant problems with departure and the possibility of traveling back to Iran.
Some of these issues include:
Vijegan, understanding the challenges faced by Iranian expats regarding Sarbazi, offers specialized services tailored to both those who have left the country using educational exemptions and those who have utilized tourist visas.
By leveraging a comprehensive understanding of Sarbazi and consular regulations, Vijegan helps clients identify the safest and most secure option for traveling to Iran.
Vijegan provides up-to-date information on verified rules and regulations related to military service and overseas travel for conscripts.
As per regulations issued by the Ministries of Science and Health, effective September 23, 2021, students who have entered Iran without a student exit permit stamp from Iranian representative offices will no longer be eligible for referral letters.
To ensure a smooth entry into Iran, students studying abroad are strongly advised to:
As of September 23, 2021, students who have entered Iran without a valid student exit permit stamp from an Iranian representative office will no longer be eligible for referral letters.
To avoid any potential delays or complications upon entry, students studying abroad are strongly recommended to:
By following these steps, students can ensure a smooth and hassle-free return to Iran.
The three-year absence rule for military service has been lifted. This means that Iranian men who have been living abroad for at least three years and have avoided military service can now apply to obtain a conscript stamp on their passport.
Please note: The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a conscript stamp may vary. It is recommended to contact the relevant Iranian authorities or consult with a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Subject to approval by relevant Iranian authorities, the issuance of special travel permits (exit stamps) for Iranian male absentees residing abroad remains possible until the end of 2026.
Here’s what you need to know to qualify:
Important Note:
Additional Information:
There are currently no official plans or programs in place for purchasing military service in Iran, either for domestic or overseas conscripts. Any previous information suggesting otherwise is not verified by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and should be disregarded.
For overseas conscripts wishing to visit Iran, the only available option is to acquire an exit permit. This permit can be issued by an Iranian embassy after completing the necessary administrative procedures within Iran.
Please note: Regulations and procedures can change. It’s essential to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
The residency period for absent conscripts seeking a special travel stamp is calculated based on the date of the last stamp in their passport.
Any time spent in Iran due to COVID-19 conditions will be included in the three-year waiting period required to obtain a special exemption stamp for absent conscripts residing abroad.
Please note: Regulations and procedures can change. It’s essential to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
For Iranian students who completed their secondary education in Iran and wish to pursue studies at foreign universities, it’s important to note the following:
To obtain an academic exemption for studies abroad, you may need to explore alternative options or consult with the relevant Iranian authorities.
Please note: Regulations and procedures can change. It’s essential to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
Dear compatriots abroad, if they wish; Vizgan experts with the experience of successfully handling dozens of cases related to the duty system are ready to provide consulting assistance and carry out the administrative process of receiving the seal of eligibility for those who are eligible. It will be possible.
Yes, verifying your military service status is mandatory when changing your residence on an Iranian passport. This is usually done by showing a discharge certificate or exemption document at the embassy.
However, there’s an exception:
Based on university regulations, students are considered “absent” one year after the date they:
This date is the benchmark used to determine eligibility for the “liable for military service” stamp. If you haven’t reached this point, you might still be considered a student, and therefore, not absent for military service purposes.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to renew your passport with an older military service completion card.
The validity of older exemption and completion certificates has expired. This means that no services, whether domestically or internationally, will be provided to individuals who hold these older documents.
You’ll need to obtain a new military service completion card to renew your passport.
Yes, your son has two options for traveling to Iran:
Travel Before University Enrollment (Under 20):
If your son hasn’t reached the age of 20 and isn’t yet enrolled in a university, he can still travel to Iran as a tourist if needed.
Important Note:
Regulations can change. It’s crucial to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements for your son’s specific situation
To obtain a special travel permit for conscripts, you’ll need to provide clear documentation regarding your most recent academic program. This includes:
Once these steps are completed, you can proceed with the application for a special travel permit. However, specific procedures and requirements may vary. It’s recommended to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
Yes, as a PhD graduate, you are eligible for a doctoral deferment. However, it’s crucial to officially notify the following organizations:
You must provide them with your current academic status and graduation date. This notification will ensure that your deferment is extended and that you can obtain the necessary conscript exemption stamp.
Important Note: Regulations can change. It’s essential to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and specific guidance or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
Your travel options depend on your current age and educational status:
Under 20 and Still in High School:
Over 20 or Enrolled in University:
Temporary Exit Permit for Absentees:
This permit might not be relevant in your case. It’s typically used by Iranian men who reached conscription age while residing in Iran but then left the country without completing their service.
Important Note:
Regulations can change. It’s essential to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements for your specific situation or consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
Whether you can change your passport’s country of residence depends on your military service status and the type of student deferment you had (if any):
If you have no military service obligations and left Iran without a student deferment, you are considered an independent student. In this case, yes, you can apply to change your place of residence to Canada.
However, if you had a student deferment, you cannot change your passport’s country of residence from “Iran” to another country until you have utilized that deferment.
Important Note:
To extend your student deferment for doctoral studies, you’ll need to:
Regarding the security deposit:
For more detailed guidance and to address any specific questions you may have, it’s highly recommended to consult with Vijegan’s experts for specific guidance on your situation.
Iranians living abroad, regardless of their location on this planet or their ethnicity, language, culture, orientation, and perspective, are invaluable assets to our nation. They have deep roots in this land and are committed to the growth and prosperity of Iran. In line with its mission, Vijegan serves as a trusted resource for Iranians abroad, providing consultation and handling administrative, legal, and investment matters on their behalf in Iran. By establishing an efficient structure, employing expert professionals, and delivering high-quality services, Vijegan plays its part in maintaining and strengthening the connection between expatriates and their homeland.
After a request is submitted by the client, Vijegan’s experts will review the request. If additional details or information are needed, they will contact the client to clarify the request. Subsequently, a preliminary contract will be drafted and sent to the client for review. Upon final approval and payment of the advance, the request will be formalized into an order and tracked by Vijegan using a unique identification code.
Payment for services is made in multiple stages according to a schedule agreed upon with the client and in accordance with the contract. Once the order is confirmed and both parties reach an agreement, 30% of the total amount is collected as an advance payment, initiating the execution phase of the contract. The quoted amounts are in Iranian Rials, but payments can also be made in foreign currencies or using cryptocurrencies.
Yes, consultation and guidance in general areas such as consular regulations, initial legal advice, administrative procedures (e.g., military service organization), and student affairs are provided free of charge. However, if a client’s request extends beyond general inquiries and requires detailed examination of case aspects, expert analysis, and specialized solutions, a fee for specialized consulting will be agreed upon with the client.
None of the clients’ documents are retained by Vijegan. After the completion and fulfillment of the request, all original documents and copies will be returned to the address specified by the client, either in Iran or abroad, via registered mail.
