Applying for registration under the Indian Act, First Nation membership and status cards, what's the difference?
Registration under the Indian Act, First Nation membership and applying for a status card are not the same.
On this page:
Registration
- What does it mean? Also known as Indian status, registration refers to your legal status as a person registered under the Indian Act. When you apply, you may choose a First Nation to be affiliated with in the Indian Register. This doesn't always mean you're automatically a member.
- How long does it take? We usually process a complete registration application in less than 6 months, but it can take 2 years or more in some cases.
- How do you register? You can apply for registration by mail or in person at any regional office, 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? Registered persons may be eligible for a range of rights and benefits.
- Is there a fee? There's no fee to apply, but there may be a fee for some required documents, for example, a proof of birth document.
Membership
- What does it mean? Membership means you're on a First Nation's membership list. It may be maintained by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) under section 11 of the Indian Act, or by the First Nation under section 10, or through a self-government agreement. Some First Nations use the term citizenship instead of membership. Find out whether your First Nation's membership is maintained by ISC or the First Nation at Welcome to First Nation Profiles or by contacting ISC or the First Nation.
- How long does it take? If ISC maintains your First Nation's membership, processing times are the same as registration since you automatically become a member once you're affiliated in the Register. If your First Nation maintains their membership, you must contact them to find out how long it takes as you do not automatically become a member at the time of registration.
- How do you apply? If ISC maintains your First Nation's membership, you apply through your registration application. If your First Nation maintains membership, you must contact the First Nation to find out how to apply.
- Does it need to be renewed? If ISC maintains membership, it does not need to be renewed. If the First Nation maintains membership, you must contact your First Nation for more information.
- What are the benefits? First Nations members may be eligible for a range of rights and benefits.
- Is there a fee? If ISC maintains membership, there is no fee to apply, but there may be a fee for some required documents. If the First Nation maintains membership, you must contact your First Nation for more information.
Status cards
- What does it mean? Status cards are government-issued identification that confirms you're registered under the Indian Act. There are 2 types: the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) and the Certificate of Indian Status (status card).
- How long does it take? Once you are registered under the Indian Act, it usually takes 8 to 12 weeks to process a complete application for a secure status card. Your First Nation may be able to issue a status card on-the-spot.
- How do you apply? You can apply for a secure status card by mail or in person at any regional office, a trusted source or your First Nations office, if they offer status card services.
- 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 registration and membership rights and benefits.
- Is there a fee? There's no fee to apply, but there may be a fee for some required documents. You can submit your photo for free using the SCIS Photo App.