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IDF — Tzav Rishon (first draft notice) for new immigrants: timeline, stations, medical profile, Hebrew test, DAPAR

Source: https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/joining-the-israeli-army-tzav-rishon-first-notice-and-drafting/ (Nefesh B'Nefesh–FIDF Lone Soldiers Program) · 2026-09

What is a Tzav Rishon?

The Tzav Rishon (צו ראשון, “First Notice”) is the first step in the IDF drafting process. When you make Aliyah, your information is sent to Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior), and a Tzav Rishon is later mailed to the address listed on your Teudat Zehut. If you move, update your address at Misrad Hapnim — otherwise the notice goes to the wrong place.

Once you receive it, you are officially a candidate for IDF service.

Timeline for new immigrants

How you are notified

Through your profile on the Mitgaisim website (mitgaisim.idf.il), by SMS, mail, and email. Keep your personal information on Mitgaisim up to date and fill out any attached questionnaires.

Before the Tzav Rishon: the medical form

The notice includes a medical questionnaire used to determine your physical profile. You fill out the first part; a family doctor fills out the second part. Return it to the IDF within 14 days of receipt. Fill it out honestly — it lets the army know which doctors or specialists you need to see at the recruitment office.

If you have a medical condition or a learning disability, bring a doctor’s letter stating the condition, current medications, and the doctor’s evaluation. Keep the originals.

What the letter contains

What to bring

You must show at least one of these IDs or you will not be admitted:

Also bring the completed Medical Declaration Form and any other documents the army should see (even if already sent), plus the draft notice itself (can be on your phone).

The stations at the Lishkat Giyus

  1. Personal interview — history, education, suitability for jobs, leadership potential. Your Hebrew level is assessed here and given a score out of 9. 7 or above: no Michve Alon Hebrew course. 6 or below: you must attend the three-month army Hebrew course at Michve Alon.
  2. Physical examination by an army doctor — weight, height, blood pressure, vision, color blindness, full physical, declaration of past/present illnesses. Result: your medical profile (profil). You may be sent to an outside specialist and asked to send in reports.
  3. Psychotechnical exam (DAPAR) — computerized test of analytical ability. Can be taken in English, Spanish, French or Russian. The score weighs heavily in which jobs are offered to you — take it seriously.

Results

Scores are uploaded to your Mitgaisim profile about 5 days later. If you did not finish everything (e.g. missing medical records) you may be asked to return. If all tasks are complete and scores are still missing, call Meitav at 1111.

Medical profile and appeals

The medical profile is a number reflecting your health that determines which jobs you can be assigned. You can appeal within 30 days of notification, with supporting medical documentation. If your health changes later, notify the regional draft board immediately.

Choosing a job (manila)

If you are not required to attend Michve Alon, you receive a manila (questionnaire) listing jobs you qualify for; rank your preferences. Some require further tests or tryouts (e.g. madrich/madricha). A job not on the list can be requested through Meitav. If you take the Michve Alon course, you meet a placement officer near the end of it instead.

Yom Hamea and Yom Sayerot

Olim with a university degree

If your Hebrew is high enough and your degree is recognized by the Ministry of Education, you may be eligible for the Academizatzia program, placing you in an IDF job related to your field. NBN can assist.

Useful contacts