By 1986 the country's overall literacy rate was estimated at 50 percent, a dramatic improvement. About 80 percent of army personnel are conscripts, as are 60 percent of the Revolutionary Guards; navy and air force personnel are mainly volunteers. Like most draftees around the world, Iranians are eager return to civilian life as soon as their mandatory enlistment ends. In July 2009 the Iranian parliament (Majlis) passed a new bill to cut military service in the country by 2 to 10 months for conscripts with university degrees, Iranian Press TV reported on 30 June 2009. MENASource offers the latest news from across the Middle East, combined with commentary by contributors, interviews with emerging players, multi-media content, and independent analysis from fellows and staff. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued. Under the current amnesty plan, citizens who have not reported for compulsory military service for eight years after they first become eligible have until the end of the Iranian year (March 20, 2019) to pay a fine and avoid conscription. Like other Iranian men who seek to come to the United States, I was asked by an immigration officer in 2004 about my prior military service. Those living outside of Iran may apply for the card by submitting a special form to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Iranian law requires all male citizens over 18 to serve in the military but exempts gay and transgender men, who are classified as having mental disorders. 2014], Press TV. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions. Somewhat less than half of white males, aged 20-39, enlisted in the Union Army, while almost all military age Confederate males served. Desertion is punishable by two to 12 months' imprisonment in case the deserter surrenders himself to the authorities. }, Page last modified: For those who live in the country, paying to avoid military service has not always been offered" (Al-Monitor 19 Dec. 2013). "Iran Intends to Extend Duration of Military Service - Commander." This exemption is for a man who is the only male in the family and his father is over 65 years old. For those who live in the country, paying to avoid military service has not always been offered". Diplomatic relations with Iran were severed on April 7, 1980. 2014). Court and prison documents are not required because posts cannot verify them. Expansion and Clarification of Export Controls Targeting Russia and Belarus. According to the IHRDC, "in general males are expected to serve for a period of 20 months" and "[f]or service in impoverished areas, the duration can last 24 months while service in boundary areas can last 22 months" (7 Nov. 2013). Irans Bureau of Affairs Concerning Documents maintains a record of the location, name, number, specimen of signature, and seal of each notary who is expected periodically to advise the Bureau of the number of marriages and divorces that have been registered. The IHRDC says that "physicians charged with administering these evaluations likely recommended that these individuals seek exemption on the basis of transsexuality, not homosexuality, because of the Iranian government's more lenient attitude towards the former in contrast to the latter" (7 Nov. 2013). Iran does not recognize the Bahai'i faith as a minority religion, thus the documentation of such marriages differs from Islamic marriages or marriages of other religious minorities. However, unlike members of al-Qaeda or the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS)whose members are presumably committed to the groups ideologies, aims, and terrorist methodsmost members of the IRGC are conscripts and had no choice about which military branch they would join to fulfill their required military service. And you need to apply to the embassy for an "exit stamp" (mohr e khorooj) . General Musa Kamali, the Vice Commander of the Headquarters for Human Resources of the Iranian Armed Forces, was quoted as saying that "the duration of military service is 18 months in combat and in insecure regions, 19 months in the regions which are deprived of facilities and have bad weather conditions, 21 months in other places, and 24 months in government offices" ( Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), 26 December 2013). Failing to serve without an exemption can also result in a ban on leaving the country without special permission. Registration Criteria: Newborn children; people who are changing their names; people who have lost their original birth certificate; and people who have reached the age of 15 and need to add their photo to the document (if between age 15 and 18, the individuals parent must apply). Procedure for Obtaining:Apply at local registration office. 2014], World-newspapers.com. Al-Monitor reports that in December 2013, General Kamali stated that "[b]ecause of its discriminatory nature, paying off military service was never desired by the armed forces, and that option has been closed" (19 Dec. 2013). [a]ccording to regulations of Medical Exemption of Military Service, those liable to the duty of service can be generally categorized into 4 main groups in terms of their conditions: Individuals being in a state of complete physical and mental Health and hence entirely capable of being drafted to the mandatory service period. In general males are expected to serve for a period of 20 months and for service in impoverished areas, the duration can last 24 months while service in boundary areas can last 22 months. In the past, the color of exemption cards differed, and those issued based on sexual orientation were red, but today all cards are one color and the number of the section or addendum on which an exemption is based appears on the card. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The birth certificate booklet and national identification card of the deceased (if available); The birth certificate of the deceaseds spouse (if applicable); and. According to a January 2009 study on kidney donor attitudes in the Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases, some of the donors surveyed had donated a kidney in order "to be exempted from the military service" (36). Since the beginning of 1986, women had also been en couraged to receive military training, and women were actually serving in special Pasdaran units as of late 1987. This reflected the country-wide illiteracy rate, which stood at 60 percent in 1979. Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. However, in reality, this interest predates the 1979 revolution and reflects a deep-seated desire for national prestige and development, as well as a need to deter regional rivals. Human Rights Watch adds that gay and transgender Iranians who are exempted from military service "are not immune from harassment and abuse" and that doctors have reportedly pressured gay men seeking exemption to apply for exemption as transsexuals instead (Dec. 2010, 25). This means a temporary marriage would not disqualify an alien from a K-1 fianc (e) visa and would not be considered a marriage for determining whether an alien meets the definition of child (under 21 and unmarried). Sources indicate that the duration of compulsory military service ranges from 18 to 24 months (BBC 26 Dec. 2013; Al-Monitor 19 Dec. 2013). Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. [Accessed 13 Mar. Persons who are unwilling to perform military service, for whatever reason, are either recruited against their will or seek to escape or evade recruitment. (Iran n.d.b). "Shamsi to Gregorian Converter." The conscript military service obligation is 18-24 months. N.d.a. 7 November 2013. The military exemption cards increase. 9. They are also often mistreated by officers. Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:The card contains a full-face photo (left-aligned), and biodata (right-aligned), including the unique national ID number (different from shenasnameh number), given name, surname, date of birth (Persian calendar), fathers given name, and expiration date. If you are exempt from the service please provide a copy and certified English translation of your military service exemption card. 2014a)], and whom after entering their 13 years of age, have been living abroad for a minimum of 2 years (as substantiated through presentation of relevant exit and entry stamps as placed in the applicant's passport by Iranian border guards and officials), are eligible for buying themselves out of Military Duty and thereby obtaining an Exemption card, upon paying the sum of 100,000,000 Rials [$4315 CAD (XE 27 Mar. 26 December 2013. but she kept asking for it ! The second is a one-page document issued by the Department of National Registration and Statistics stating that the couple appeared before one of its officials and provided an oath stating that they are a married couple. A computer engineer would serve as a computer operator and so on. Alternate Documents: For mass exemptions, a copy of the exemption announcement and the birth certificate (proof of their condition) can be provided in lieu of exemption card. International Relations: (+9821)66746460 Issuing Authority:National Organization of Registration of Documents and Property (Sazman-e Sabt-e Asnad va Amlak-e Keshvar). Those who due to handicaps or mental and/or physical illnesses are permanently unable to be drafted for mandatory service period. Registration Criteria:Proof of Iranian citizenship. Email: un@sabteahval.ir, Document Name:Shenasnameh (Birth certificate or identity certificate), Issuing Authority:National Organization of Civil Registration. The IHRDC indicates that, "[i]n particular, gay men and transsexual persons who obtain military exemption due to their sexual orientation are at a significant disadvantage" because their cards for military exemption indicate the reason as "a psychological disorder" (IHRDC 7 Nov. 2013). Similarly, Al-Monitor reports that, according to General Kamali, "reduced-time exemptions are still applicable for those who entered military service this Iranian calendar year, which ends March 2014" (19 Dec. 2013). However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. "We are a Buried Generation." Arash Karami. There's no guarantee she will issue you a visa even if you're able to do so. Public Relations: (+9821)66709666 Both parties birth certificates, national ID cards, medical reports, and the brides fathers birth certificate are required. Thus, the military first had to teach the conscripts Persian by instituting extensive literacy training programs. New Atlanticist is where top experts and policymakers at the Atlantic Council and beyond offer exclusive insight on the most pressing global challengesand the United States role in addressing them alongside its allies and partners. 2014], Human Rights Watch. Management Fax: (+9821)66709333 Similarly, in a November 2013 article published by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Centre (IHRDC), a Connecticut-based independent non-profit organization composed of scholars and lawyers working to provide a "historical record" of human rights issues in Iran (IHRDC n.d.), military service "begins" at 18 (ibid. 2014], British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The NGO said the three male members of his family took him to the village of Borumi, western Iran, and murdered him there. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. Correspondence from the Main Representative to the United Nations. Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc. Compounding this dilemma, many conscripts came from those areas where Persian was not spoken. 30 June 2009. If you are exempt from the service please provide a copy and certified English translation of your military service exemption card. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest. Iran now has a largely conscripted force with limited military training and little combat experience. I would end up being picked by the IRIAF, but the process was arbitrary. Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for. Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have reached an alarming stage in recent weeks. (Factiva), _____. Sina Azodi and Ali Dadpay. Ben Piven. The IHRDC indicates that "many young males of military age" attempt to avoid military service through "exemptions or by informal and illegal means through monetary bribes to officials" (7 Nov. 2014). Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:Booklet Old versions have a red/burgundy cover, handwritten biodata, and manual signatures and stamps. All pages of the document are required for immigrant visa processing. Thus far, this regulation is expected to be in effect up to 04/11/1390 [24 January 2012 (Taghvim.com 28 Mar. Comments:Available but unreliable. In addition to marriages and divorces having their own documentation, the information should also be recorded in both parties' shenasnameh (birth certificate) documents. Afshon Ostovar. You can extend your status for free if you. The governments 2019/20 budget initially excluded the option for citizens to buy their way out of the draft. Temporary marriages cannot be used to confer immigration benefits and do not substantiate eligibility for either marriage-based immigrant visa classes or for derivative status of any visa class. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government. "Iran May Cut Mandatory Military Service." Management: (+9821)66707131-9 Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:All service cards show national ID number, given name, surname, fathers name, date of birth (Persian), dates of service, card issuance date, rank, photo, and contain a chip. Temporary student exemptions may also be substantiated by a letter from the conscription authority and proof of the students bond payment to exit Iran. Please contact the consular sections in Bern and Vienna for additional details on the application process. The first page includes a summary of the certificate holders personal information such as place of birth and parents first names and birth certificate numbers. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee). E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. Depending on their field, those with higher education can end up with higher-status duties. [Accessed 13 Mar. Older cards include detailed biographical information such as blood type, hair color, weight, height, eye color, physical defects, and sometimes level of education. Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service. The BBC reports that, according to General Kamali, current conscripts and people who will be serving by the end of the year, which is 20 March 2014, will not be affected by the extension of service (26 Dec. 2014). 2014], _____. Procedure for Obtaining: Submit the deceaseds national identification card, or number and date of notification of death registration, to the National Organization of Civil Registration. International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR). Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Iran - Islamic Parliament of Iran, Iranian Police, National Portal for Iran, Office of the Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Presidency Website; Iran Data Portal; Hein Online; Legislationline; Small Media; United Nations - Refworld. The first compulsory military service bill was passed ninety-six years ago, during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. 4 May 2013. The Baij total force had increased to about 600,000 by 2019. Iranian males 18 to 49 years of age are legally eligible for conscription, for an active service term of 18 months followed by voluntary reserve service. Iranian subjects who live abroad in case of having the following conditions, by paying 10 million Toman can benefit from military services exemption against cash payment. New military ID cards list the subsection of the law dictating their exemption on their ID cards, which identifies them as gay or transgender and puts them at risk of physical danger and general discrimination. Evidence suggests that those wishing to obtain an exemption on the grounds of their sexuality/gender identity have to undergo numerous humiliating physical and psychological tests and exams and provide intimate information regarding their life. 2014], Iran. Embassy in the Hague. 9 November to 20 November 2012 and 8 January to 9 January 2013. In a document sent to the DIRB by a representative of the Committee for Humanitarian Assistance to Iranian Refugees in New York, a non-partisan organization that performs advocacy work on behalf of Iranian refugees, the representative indicated that based on personal correspondence with former Iranians, a military exemption card or a military . Revolutionary leaders repeatedly declared that Iran could establish an army of 20 million to defend the country against foreign aggression. The US CIA World Factbook states that, as of 2012, the age of compulsory military service for men in Iran is 18 (US 26 Feb. 2014). 8. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. Diplomatic Sales Tax Exemption Cards The Department's Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) issues diplomatic tax exemption cards to eligible foreign missions and their accredited members and dependents on the basis of international law and reciprocity. The first is an ecclesiastical marriage certificate issued by the local spiritual assembly a booklet with the signatures of the couple, the person officiating the ceremony, and nine witnesses. Vietnam War: 2/28/61 - 5/7/75 *. N.d. "IFOR - International Fellowship of Reconciliation." "Iran." All rights reserved. 19 June 2009. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad: The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less. Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to General Kamali, current conscripts and people who will be serving by the end of the year, which is 20 March 2014, will not be affected by the extension of service. 504 of the 1996 Tazi'rat (the Islamic criminal code): "Whoever manages to incite the armed forces, or who in one way or another assists the armed forces, to rebellion, desertion, surrender or non-performance of their military duties shall be considered a Muhaarib if he intended to overturn the government or to enable the defeat of own forces by the enemy; otherwise, if the actions taken by him have been effective he will be sentenced to from two to ten years' imprisonment, and if they are not, he will be sentenced to six months' to three years' imprisonment." In the past, a consistent weakness of the armed forces had been the high illiteracy rate among conscripts and volunteers. This regulation was expected to be in effect up to 04/11/1390 [24 January 2012. For example, those who are accepted to universities are exempted while at school but are required to sign up after they graduate.