Quick Facts: Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act: Registration Process (Bill C-3)

Registration Eligibility

All eligible grandchildren of women who lost status as a result of marrying non-Indian men will become entitled to registration (Indian status) in accordance with the Indian Act.

Eligibility Requirements

Generally speaking, the key criteria to be newly entitled to registration are:

  • Did your grandmother lose her Indian status as a result of marrying a non-Indian?
  • Is one of your parents registered, or entitled to be registered, under sub-section 6(2) of the Indian Act?
  • Were you, or one of your siblings, born on or after September 4, 1951?

When will the Act come into effect?

The Act came into force on January 31, 2011.

When can I apply?

As of January 31, 2011 you are able to apply for registration using the specific form developed for newly entitled applicants. This form can be found on AANDC's website.

Where can I apply?

At this point, due to the large volume of applications that are anticipated to be received in a short time frame, AANDC will be offering a self-service mail-in application option. Completed applications are to be mailed directly to:

Application Processing Unit
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
GD Stn Main
Winnipeg MB  R3C 0M2

Where can I obtain an application form?

Applications forms are available at the following locations:

Is there a place to apply in person?

Due to the large volume of applications that is anticipated to be received in a short time frame, AANDC will only be offering a self-service mail-in application option. AANDC has set up a dedicated processing unit to handle in a timely fashion Bill C-3 applications. Applicants are therefore asked not to send their application to an AANDC regional office or a Service Canada Centre, but rather to mail it directly to the AANDC Processing Unit to ensure that their application is processed in an expedited manner.

Which documents are required to apply?

The following documents are required to apply for registration and for an in-Canada SCIS:

  • Original birth certificate (listing parents names)
  • Two passport style photographs
  • Copies of valid identification (i.e. – driver’s licence, passport, government issued ID – copies signed by guarantor)
  • Guarantor Declaration for SCIS

And if applicable:

  • Legal change of name document or marriage certificate
  • Custody Court Order
  • Statutory Declaration Form(s)

More details on the specific requirements are provided in the application form instructions.

When will my original identification documents be returned?

Every possible effort will be made to return original documents within 1 month after an application has been received. Complex situations, such as adoptions, may take longer.

How long will it take to process my application and receive a Secure Certificate of Indian Status?

Confirmation of registration and receipt of the in-Canada format of the SCIS will occur in two stages. Applications which are complete will be processed for registration within 4-6 months. Individuals who are deemed eligible for registration will receive a letter of confirmation providing them with a registration number which will allow access to benefits and services until the in-Canada SCIS is issued.

If all the required documentation has been provided with the application, you will receive the in-Canada format of the SCIS within 10-12 weeks after the letter confirming registration has been mailed.

Where can I call if I have questions on how to complete the application form?

We encourage you to use the AANDC Public Enquiries Contact Centre for questions.

AANDC Public Enquiries Contact Centre
Email: InfoPubs@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca
Phone: (toll-free) 1-800-567-9604
Fax: 1-866-817-3977
TTY: (toll-free) 1-866-553-0554