Welcome to the comprehensive guide for those wanting to do Sherut Leumi on a volunteer visa (B/4). This page outlines the essential documents and steps needed to successfully apply for your volunteer visa.

Please note: Once you start Sherut Leumi on a volunteer visa, you CANNOT switch visa types, including changing to an Oleh visa, until you have completed the 12 months of Sherut.

NEW: Expedited Process for Overseas Volunteers (B-4 Visa)

We are excited to announce a significant improvement in streamlining the process for overseas volunteers. You can now submit your B-4 Volunteer Visa application online with ease and convenience by visiting https://govforms.gov.il/mw/forms/[email protected]. Please share this link with other applicants to help spread the word.

Required Documents: To help you prepare, here is a complete list of the necessary documents

1. Valid Passport:
   • Details Needed:
     • Copy of the main page of your passport (with your picture), including any additional pages indicating date extensions or name changes.
     • Passport must be valid for at least six months.
     • If either parent held Israeli citizenship at your birth, you are considered an Israeli citizen and need an Israeli passport, if you do not already have one. In such cases, contact your Rakezet to do Sherut with Israeli citizenship and not as an Oleh.
2. Birth Certificate:
   • Requirements:
     • Please submit a copy of your original birth certificate (issued from the country in which you were born).
     • Your full name and both parents’ names must be listed on the birth certificate. You will need to obtain a long-form birth certificate if your birth certificate does not include your parents’ names.
     • For those who are U.S. citizens born outside of the U.S., please note that a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is not sufficient.
     • If the birth certificate is in a language other than English or Hebrew, please submit a copy of a notarized translation into English or Hebrew along with a copy of the original certificate.
     • Hospital-issued certificates are insufficient.
     • If names differ from those on the passport, contact [email protected].
3. Service Confirmation: Confirmation from the recognized body where you are registered to do your year of Sherut Leumi, including the nonprofit’s registration number.
4. Proof of Judaism:
   • Acceptable Proof:
     • A letter from a recognized synagogue Rabbi (not a family member) from a Rabbinical Organization in North America, confirming how the Rabbi knows you and stating that you are Jewish and born to a Jewish mother.
   • Letter Requirements:
     • Must be on official synagogue letterhead, in English or Hebrew.
     • Include the congregation’s name, location, and telephone number, as well as your and your parents’ full legal names.
     • Rabbi’s signature in ink (preferably not black) and the Rabbi’s name and title should appear on the letterhead. Digital signatures are insufficient.
     • The letter must show the date that it was written and must be from within the past year.
     • If you converted to Judaism, you will be required to submit different documentation proving your completion of the conversion process. Contact us at [email protected] for further instructions.
     • Click on the following hyperlink for a Sample Proof of Judaism.
5. Background Check (Certificate of Good Conduct):
   
   • Details:
     • Valid for only 6 months from issue date.
     • Background check from every country lived in from age 14 for a year or more.
     • US applicants: FBI background check.
     • Canadian applicants: Criminal Record Check.
     • UK applicants: Apply online for ACRO background check.
   • Obtaining Background Checks:
     • US applicants can use channeling companies and must get an apostille attached. The cost is approximately $80-$120 and should take between 4-6 weeks. This can only be done only if you are in the US. You can find a local channeling company by searching Google for “FBI Channeler + your local zip code.” A list of approved channeling companies can be found here.
     • For those in Israel, NBN offers fingerprinting services. Contact NBN to do the fingerprinting. Send an email to: [email protected]. In the email include your full name, and that you need the FBI background check for Sherut Leumi. You will receive an email to set up the date and time for this, and instructions for payment. Please state explicitly if you need the background check sent to your US address and include the address. Otherwise, the document will come to our Jerusalem office, and you will need to pick it up from there.
     • Canadian Olim need to submit a “Criminal Record Check.” Information about this can be found here. Processing time and fee information can be found here. For a list of private accredited fingerprinting companies, click here.
     • UK applicants can apply for these documents online. For more information, please see ACRO background check.
     • Please click HERE for more information on background checks.

* For more document details, visit: https://www.nbn.org.il/documents-you-need/. Remember, there is NO need for an apostille (authentication) for your birth certificate or background check.

Important Points to Note:

1. Clear Documents: Ensure that all documents uploaded are clear and well-scanned.
2. Complete Submission: Make sure to include all required documents.
3. Document Specifications: Birth certificates and background checks without an apostille stamp.
4. Location Requirement: The application must be submitted while the applicant is in Israel; it cannot be done from abroad.

Additional Steps:

1. Open a Bank Account in Israel:
   • Needed for Sherut Leumi payments and benefits.
   • Bring a small amount of cash to activate the account.
   • Keep the account active for at least 5 years post-service.
2. Arrange for Private Healthcare in Israel:
   • Various options available, including Harel.
   • See listings here: Healthcare Options.

Please note: This will be a foreign resident account and you will need to show your passport to open this account. This is the account where your various Sherut Leumi payments will be deposited monthly, as well as the account where you will receive your after-Sherut benefits such as Ma’anak and Pikadon. See Sherut Leumi benefits. Furthermore, if you do decide to make Aliyah and are under the age of 22, the Army may still draft you. In this case, you can apply for a religious Ptor (exemption) from the Army.

Still have questions? Please contact us at: [email protected]

We look forward to assisting you in exploring your Sherut Leumi opportunities!

* Last updated on July 24, 2024 *