Question Period Note: Status Cards

Status cards are proof of registration under the Indian Act and
facilitate access to associated programs, rights, services and
benefits.
• The Department issues the Secure Certificate of Indian Status
directly to applicants while supporting First Nations to produce
and distribute the paper-laminate version.
• The Department has sent information on the Secure Certificate
of Indian Status to Indigenous leaders and service providers
across the country and has posted information about it on social
media.

The Secure Certificate of Indian Status is documentary evidence of registration under the Indian Act, and
it facilitates access to a wide range of services and benefits administered by federal and provincial or
territorial governments and other private sector program and service providers.
To obtain a Secure Certificate of Indian Status, already registered persons must provide a complete
application form, one proof of identity document and photos. The Secure Certificate of Indian Status is
printed at a central location.
While Indian status does not expire, the status card, like most other official identity documents, does. A
Secure Certificate of Indian Status needs to be renewed every 10 years for adults and dependent adults
and every 5 years for children. A First-Nation issued Certificate of Indian Status needs to be renewed
every 5 years for adults and dependent adults and every 3 years for children. The reason for periodic
renewal is to ensure the photo identification accurately resembles the card holder as they age.
The registration number printed on status cards can be used to access certain services and programs.
Point of sale tax exemptions protocols vary from province to province and is under the purview of the
Ministry of Finance of the province or territory. In Ontario, a person is eligible for tax exemption at all
points of sale, whereas in Quebec tax exemption is only available on reserve.
As of December 31, 2022 out of approximately 1,063,149 registered persons, 395,427 possess a valid
Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

If pressed on the Secure Certificate of Indian Status in relation to
registration under the Indian Act (66 words)
• It is important to note the differences between registration under
the Indian Act and the status card, which is an identification
card that validates proof of registration. A status card is only
issued once registered.
• Persons may submit applications for registration and a secure
status card at the same time. If submitted together, the
processing time will depend on the complexity of the application
for registration.

If pressed on the Certificate of Indian Status (39 words)
• The Certificate of Indian Status is issued at First Nation offices
by designated community representatives..
• We recommend that community members maintain contact with
their First Nation office to be kept informed on when operations
may return to normal.

If pressed on educating the public about status cards (83 words)
• We are working to ensure individuals can readily access
information about status cards.
• We have been working with stakeholders such as the Canada
Revenue Agency and Elections Canada, as well as provinces
and territories and Indigenous partners to raise awareness and
enhance understanding of status cards and associated benefits,
rights, programs and services.
• Reconciliation is a priority for our Government and we are
working in partnership to advance a relationship that is based
on the recognition of inherent rights, respect and cooperation.

If pressed on service standards and improvements made to the
process (95 words)
• We are committed to processing applications for the Secure
Certificate of Indian Status in an efficient and timely manner.
• The application process is being continually streamlined and we
are investing in digital solutions to increase efficiency and
improve client service.
• The Department’s service standard is twelve weeks for issuing a
Secure Certificate of Indian Status. The Department is currently
operating within its service standard.
• Online applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status
are being tested at headquarters and progressively in regional
offices throughout 2023.