Secured Certificate of Indian Status

Why do First Nations need a new card?

The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) includes several security improvements to help protect First Nations individuals from identity theft while providing them with access to benefits and services. The existing Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) is either a paper-laminate or plastic card with very few of the security features now normally expected of a government issued identity document that provides access to benefits and services. This makes the card open to tampering and counterfeiting.

A project was initiated to address the need for increased security features on Status cards to reduce the risks of identity theft and forgery. This also helps to ensure the ongoing integrity of programs and services.

How is the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) secure?

The new SCIS features several security improvements such as:

• Laser engraving which burns information directly into the card;
• Touch data that uses raised letters and numbers on the card surface;
• atterns of extremely fine lines that cannot easily be scanned or copied;
• An ultra-violet image and printing that is visible using specialized equipment; and
• A window, appearing as a clear area in the card that allows a secondary photo image of the cardholder to be visible from both sides.

To Register Individuals 15 years of age and under or Dependent Adult, you will need to:

Please be advised that INAC has issued a new registration form, APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION ON THE INDIAN REGISTER AND FOR THE SECURE CERTIFICATE OF INDIAN STATUS (SCIS) (FOR CHILDREN 15 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER OR DEPENDENT ADULTS)
These applications are now standard for registering a minor. This application also includes registering Bill C-3 and Bill S-3 applicants.
If you have recently (within the past 3 months) registered your baby with the old Parental Consent form we will be contacting you to come in and complete the new form. If you do not have updated contact info on file please call us to confirm your childs registration application to avoid further delay.

Registration package includes:
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Completed Registration application (4 pages) with both parents signatures
Original long form birth certificate (With both parents names listed)
Supporting documents - custody or guardianship court documents (if applicable)
Adoption Order (if applicable)

If opting to also apply for the child's SCIS then you need:
Completed Guarantor form (1 page)
2 passport pictures of child - One picture signed by the Guarantor
Parent(s) - copy of valid picture ID and second piece of valid ID - Copies verified by signature by the Guarantor

If you have any questions or require any assistance please call the Membership Department 250-748-3196

Registration Form

Guarantor Form

Important Tips for your Application

1. Do Not scribble or white out any information. If you make an error, print a new form and start over
2. If you are mailing in your application, have the Guarantor sign the back of your passport photos and copies of your identification with a statement saying "this is a true likeness of_______"
3. Do not go outside of the box when signing the application

The application process takes approximately up to 16 weeks

Forms and Resources

To Register individuals 16 years of age and older, you will need to:

• Completed INAC FORM 83-130E  
• Original birth certificate (long or short form); AND
• Two passport style photographs; AND
• valid identification; AND
• Completed INAC FORM 83-111E (if applying by mail); AND
• If you have taken your spouses last name - you will need:
  • Copy of marriage certificate(s) (if you have valid ID in married name; OR
  • Original government issued marriage certificate(s) (if you do not have valid ID in married name); OR
  • Legal change of name document