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Frequently Asked Questions - Secure Certificate of Indian Status

  • Q.1) What is a Certificate of Indian Status or Status card and why does INAC issue it?
    • The Certificate of Indian Status, more commonly referred to as a Status card, is an identity document issued for administrative reasons by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to confirm that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act.
  • Q.2) Who is eligible for a Status card and what is it used for?
    • Any individual registered as an Indian under the Indian Act is eligible for a Status card, regardless of age, and can voluntarily apply for a card. The Status card is provided to assist registered Indians in accessing a wide range of programs and services administered by federal agencies, provincial governments and other private sector program and service providers. Many of these organizations use the Status card as the main or sole proof that a person is entitled to receive the benefits.
  • Q.3) Why is INAC creating a new and improved Status card?
    • The new Secure Certificate of Indian Status features several security improvements that significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized alterations or duplication. This helps to ensure the ongoing integrity of the programs and services by protecting them from incidences of fraud and identity theft.

      The Secure Certificate of Indian Status Project originated through a joint initiative between the Assembly of First Nations and the Lands and Trust Services Sector of INAC and a related project with Treaty 7 First Nations. The goal of the project is to address the need for increased security features on Status cards so issues of stolen identity and fraud can be reduced or eliminated.
  • Q.4) Where can I apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status
    • The following offices are currently accepting applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status:

      Manitoba: INAC Regional Office in Winnipeg
      Saskatchewan: INAC Regional Office in Regina
      Alberta: INAC Regional Offices in Calgary as well as Edmonton and
      Treaty 7 First Nations offices
      National Capital Region: INAC Headquarters (Gatineau, QC)

      Appointments are recommended when visiting an INAC Regional office. For appointments at INAC Headquarters please call 1-877-710-2908.

  • Q.5) When did INAC begin issuing Secure Certificates of Indian Status?
    • On December 21, 2009, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada began issuing Secure Certificates of Indian Status to applicants who applied in the border communities that received advance application intake visits in the spring of 2009 and whose files were complete.
  • Q.6) Will First Nation's offices outside of Treaty 7 continue to issue Certificates of Indian Status (status cards)?
    • Yes.  All First Nations across Canada will continue to issue Certificate’s of Indian Status until they are converted to the SCIS application intake process during the phased-national implementation.
  • Q.7) What does the term “SCIS application intake” mean?
    • “SCIS application intake” refers to the initial application process for a SCIS card when an individual completes the SCIS application form, provides the required identification documentation, and a photo is taken. When the application intake is completed, the application is sent to INAC’s Headquarters offices for processing. 

      Application “processing” involves a number of steps that include verification of the Indian Registration number; validation of identification; secure filing of the application; and the printing of the secure card.
  • Q.8) What are the two formats of the SCIS?
    • INAC has two formats of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status in circulation, as follows:

      The first format, the in-Canada format, is for accessing services and benefits in-Canada. Consistent with the current practice, INAC does share information with the appropriate government agencies for the provision of services within-Canada. (e.g. health benefits, drug benefits).

      The second format, the Border-Crossing format, provides the same access to services as the in-Canada format and is an acceptable document to present when visiting the U.S. via land and water ports-of-entry.
  • Q.9) Can I obtain a SCIS application form from INAC's website?
    • INAC intends to make the form available once the phased national-rollout begins.
  • Q.10) What will happen to the old versions of the Status card once the new one is introduced?
    • Older versions of the Status card will remain valid until their renewal date.
  • Q.11) Will applicants be charged a fee to obtain or renew their Status card?
    • No, the Government of Canada is not charging applicants any fees.


On Treaty 7 First Nations Transition:



On the application requirements:

  • Q.14) What documents will I need to have in order to apply for a SCIS
    • Registered Indians 16 years of age and older:

      • Current status card (if applicable); AND
      • Original birth certificate* (long or short form); AND
      • Two passport style photographs; AND
      • Valid** identification; AND
      • If you have taken your spouses last name - you will need:

      • Copy of marriage certificate(s) (if you have valid** ID in your married name); OR
      • Original government issued marriage certificate(s) (if you do not have valid** ID in your married name); OR
      • Legal change of name document

      * Note Original Baptismal Certificates are acceptable (for applicants 65 years of age or older) however individuals are only eligible to receive an in-Canada SCIS card

      ** Valid identification includes:

      If you have the following ID you only need to present one:
      • Canadian or United States Passport
      • Border-crossing SCIS 
      • Enhanced Driver's License
      • Enhanced Identification Card
      • NEXUS or FAST card

      If you do not have the above ID you have to present two of the following:
      • Driver's license (provincial, territorial or state)
      • In-Canada SCIS or current status card
      • Other government-issued ID (federal, provincial, territorial or state)
      • Your Indian Registry Administrator has a form you can complete if you only have 1 piece of ID (however you can only apply for an in-Canada SCIS)

      The valid identification presented must include a photograph and the signature of the applicant, though not necessarily on the same document.

      Registered Indians 15 years of age and under or dependent adults:
      • Original long form birth certificate (or short form with both parents named); AND
      • Current status card (if applicable);AND
      • Two passport style photographs; AND

      Parents and Guardians must provide the following:
      For an in-Canada SCIS:

      • Only one parent or legal guardian is required to accompany the child or dependent adult and sign the application form; AND
      • Marriage certificate or other name-linking documents (only if your ID has a different last name than the name on the child's birth certificate or custody documents); AND
      • Legal guardians are also required to provide documentation of trusteeship / guardianship; AND
      • The parent or legal guardian must present one piece of valid*** identification.

      For a border-crossing SCIS: In addition to the above requirements:

      • Both parents or legal guardians are required to accompany the child or dependent adult and sign the application form (if applicable); OR
      • One parent can accompany the child / dependent adult, however either a completed guarantor form OR the original documentation of the other parent or legal guardian must be presented; AND
      • In the case of separation or divorce, complete copies of all legal documentation regarding the child's custody, access or mobility are required.

      *** Valid identification includes:

      • Canadian or United States Passport
      • Current status card or SCIS 
      • Enhanced Driver's License
      • Enhanced Identification Card
      • NEXUS or FAST card
      • Driver's license (provincial, territorial or state)
      • Other federal, provincial, territorial or state government-issued ID

      The valid identification of parents / legal guardians must include a photograph and a signature, though not necessarily on the same document.
  • Q.15) Why are all these new documents required?
    • The Government of Canada has been working closely with the US Government to enhance the requirements protecting the integrity of identity information on border-crossing documents for Canadian citizens. This has prompted INAC to review as well, the documents and processes required for the registration of Status Indian in the Indian Register which results in the issuance of a Card.
  • Q.16) Why is a long form birth certificate required when applying on behalf of a child? Is this required for both formats?
    • Consistent with applications for Indian Registration, a long form birth certificate is required when applying for both formats of the SCIS. This original document informs the processing officer that the individual applying on behalf of the child has the right to do so, and provides information as to who should sign the parental consent section of the application form as the lineage is stated.
  • Q.17) Why do I need a marriage certificate?
    • A marriage certificate is only required if the applicant has taken their spouse's surname. This document allows for INAC personnel to make an official name change in the Indian Registry and issue a SCIS in that legal name. For applicants who are divorced, separated or widowed, and continue to use their spouse's name, the marriage certificate is still required.
  • Q.18) What does the term "if applicable" mean when children 15 years of age and under need to be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians for the border-crossing SCIS application? What happens if one parent is not able to be there in person?
    • "If applicable" refers to any instance where there are no legal documents (i.e. only one parent is named on the birth certificate, Death Certificate or Court Documents awarding sole custody to the applying parent and no access rights to the other parent) to support an application with only one parental signature.

      Where the other parent or legal guardian has signed the application form but cannot be present, a copy (both sides) of a valid government issued ID with their name, signature and photograph that has been certified by an eligible guarantor and a Guarantor Declaration (83-111E) must be completed and signed. 

      Where the other parent or legal guardian is unavailable to sign the application form, a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Other Parent's Signature (83-110E) completed and signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public or Lawyer must also be submitted.
  • Q.19) What happens if I am estranged from my significant other yet I need to apply for a SCIS for my child and am unable to obtain a signature? What can I do?
    • When the other parent or legal guardian is unavailable to sign the application form, a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Other Parent's Signature (83-110E) completed and signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public or Lawyer must also be submitted.
  • Q.20) Once I have all my documents required to apply, will I be able to mail my application directly to INAC?
    • At this time INAC is only accepting mail-in applications from individuals who are newly entitled to registration as a result of Bill C-3: Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act.

      INAC is working towards a mail-in process where all registered First Nations individuals could apply for the in-Canada format only.
  • Q.21) Why is INAC offering Bill C-3 applicants the opportunity to apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status before current registered Status Indians?

    • Unlike those who currently have Indian Status, Bill C-3 applicants do not currently have a status card.  As INAC is moving towards fully implementing the SCIS, it is more efficient for both clients and INAC to provide these new first-time clients the new SCIS at the time of registration.  Both cards, the current CIS (Certificate of Indian Status) and the new SCIS provide equal access to benefits and access to programs.

  • Q.22) Once I submit a completed application form, how long before I receive my SCIS?
    • Once INAC receives a completed application with all the appropriate documentation the applicant can expect to receive their in-Canada SCIS within 10 weeks, and border-crossing SCIS within 12 weeks.


On lost/damaged or stolen SCIS

  • Q.23) What do I do if my SCIS has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed?
    • If you have been issued a SCIS which has subsequently been lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, you must immediately report it to the SCIS National Processing Unit at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada by calling at 1-877-710-2908 or by email at cssi-scis@ainc-inac.gc.ca  .
  • Q.24) How can I replace my SCIS?
    • A person may apply for one replacement SCIS per 12 month period for a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed SCIS. A replacement application made due to one of these reasons must include a new completed application form, two new passport style photographs, valid ID, a Statutory Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Damaged, or Destroyed CIS or SCIS (83-113), and if applicable, the previous SCIS. Additionally, if the Statutory Declaration indicates that the previously issued CIS or SCIS has been stolen, a police claim number is required.


On crossing the border:

  • Q.25) Is the border-crossing SCIS accepted at U.S. land and water ports of entry?
    • Yes. On December 21, 2009, the Government of Canada received approval from the United States that the border-crossing format of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document to enter the U.S. by land or water.
  • Q.26) Is my current Status Card an acceptable document to present when visiting the United States?

    • Yes. INAC has been advised that Department of Homeland Security will continue to accept the current Indian Status Card as a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document for a reasonable transition period.  The interim flexible solution being applied by DHS allows for the use of the current Indian status card to cross the border, by land or water, into the United States (U.S.). The Government of Canada cautions individuals that the period and extent of this flexibility is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials and reminds travelers that when entering the U.S. via air that a valid passport or NEXUS card is required.

      If you urgently require documentation for visiting the United States, please contact Passport Canada  
  • Q.27) Will the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status enable First Nations persons born in-Canada to travel to the United States to live or work without obtaining an alien registration card (green card) or work permit?
    • United States Immigration and Naturalization laws require that First Nations persons born in-Canada have at least 50 percent Aboriginal blood quantum to enter the United States to live or work without a green card or work permit.

      Canadian law is different in that registration as an Indian under the provisions of the Indian Act is not based on percentage of Indian blood quantum.

      As such, United States Immigration and Naturalization usually requests that an individual provide a letter of blood quantum from his or her First Nation or a letter from an INAC office verifying an individual's Indian ancestry. For further information, check the United States Embassy, Consular Services Canada website at United States Embassy, Consular Services Canada website  .
  • Q.28) Is there a link between the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status and the Jay Treaty?
    • No. The Jay Treaty of 1794 provided free border-crossing rights for “the Indians dwelling on either side of the boundary line” between Upper and Lower Canada and the United States, and exemption from duty or taxes on their “own proper goods” when crossing the border.

      After the War of 1812, the Treaty of Ghent between Britain and the United States was intended to restore the border-crossing rights of the Jay Treaty, but legislation implementing these rights in Upper and Lower Canada lapsed. Because of this, the Jay Treaty is not recognized in-Canada. There is therefore no link between the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status and the Jay Treaty.

      In the 1920s, the United States changed its immigration laws and ever since, Canadian-born people with at least 50 per cent Aboriginal blood can enter, live in and work in the United States without immigration restrictions.
  • Q.29) Why and how often do Status cards need to be renewed?
    • Renewals of current Status Cards are necessary to comply with international standards (International Civil Aviation Organization) and to meet the requirements of updating cardholder's personal information and photograph. In-Canada certificates must be renewed every 10 years however; border-crossing certificates must be renewed every 5 years.  Renewal dates for Status cards are automatically linked to the cardholder's date of birth.
  • Q.30) How is the secure card an improvement?
    • The enhanced version of the Status card incorporates modern national and international standards for document security. The SCIS has been designed as a result of a survey, focus group testing and several evaluations led by the Canada Border Services Agency. This secure version of the Status card includes specialized graphic design elements and enhanced security features that protect the privacy of the cardholder while minimizing the opportunity for unauthorized alteration, duplication or use.


On Protection of Personal Information:


Further Information

For further information related to your eligibility to be registered as a Status Indian, or to obtain a new Secure Certificate of Indian Status once you are registered, contact any IRA or INAC office. Further information regarding the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status is available by telephoning toll-free 1-800-567-9604, emailing InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca.

Further information relating to various benefit entitlements can be found at the following Web sites:

 

Date Modified:2010-09-15

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