Registration under the Indian Act and applying for a status card, what's the difference?
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Registration under the Indian Act is not the same as applying for a status card. This infographic helps explain the differences.
Registration
- What is it? Your legal status as a person registered under the Indian Act.
- How long does it take? It usually takes less than 6 months to process a complete application for registration under the Indian Act. However, in some cases, it may take up to 2 years or more.
- How do you register? You can apply for registration by mail or in person at any regional office, or through a trusted source or your First Nations office, if they offer registration services.
- Does it need to be renewed? No. Registration doesn't need to be renewed.
- What are the benefits? If you become registered, you may be entitled to a range of rights and benefits.
- Is there a fee? There's no fee to apply for registration, but there may be a fee for some required documents, for example, a proof of birth document.
Status card
- What is it? A government-issued identity document that confirms you're registered under the Indian Act. There are 2 versions: the Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or secure status card, and the Certificate of Indian Status, or status card.
- How long does it take? Once you are registered under the Indian Act, it usually takes from 8 to 12 weeks to process a complete application for a secure status card.
- How do you apply? You can apply for a secure status card by mail or in person at any regional office, or through a trusted source or your First Nations office, if they offer secure status card services. Some First Nations issue the Certificate of Indian status. Contact your First Nations office to apply for one.
- Does it need to be renewed? Yes. A secure status card needs to be renewed every 10 years for adults and dependent adults and every 5 years for children. A status card needs to be renewed every 5 years for adults and dependent adults and every 3 years for children.
- What are the benefits? Both cards are acceptable forms of government-issued photo identification and can be used to access rights and benefits.
- Is there a fee? There's no fee to apply for a secure status card, but there may be a fee for some required documents. You can submit your photo for free using the SCIS Photo App.
Find out more: canada.ca/indian-status