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Status Card Application: FAQs

Updated

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Do I need a status / registration / treaty number before applying with OneFeather?

YES - All applicants must already have their own status number to apply for a status card on OneFeather. We currently don't support applying for status for the first time (registering under the Indian Act). You will need to do this with the government directly and information can be be found here on the Indigenous Services Canada website.


Status Number Requirements

Personal: If you are applying for a renewal or replacement card for yourself, use your personal status number.

Dependant: If you are applying for a first card, renewal, or replacement card for a dependant, you will need their personal status number as well as your own.

You cannot use anyone else's status number and need to have your own in order to use our status card applications. Indigenous Services Canada will reject your application if you use someone else's number and we cannot refund applications in these situations.

 

Q: In the application, you mention 'First SCIS card' in the 'Reason for Application' section, doesn't that mean apply for status?

A: No. You or your dependants may have status (be registered under the Indian Act), but have never acquired a Secure Certificate of Indian Status card from Canada before. You may have a paper laminated status card you got directly from your Nation, or you've never had a status card before although you are registered. This means it will be your 'first' SCIS card.

 

Can I apply for my kids?

Yes! We offer Status Card Renewals/ Replacements for Dependants aged 4- 15 years old; the following must apply: 

  • Child / dependant adult already has their own status number.
  • You must be the parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian to the dependant.
  • You may need to provide legal documentation to prove your relationship to the dependant if a custody agreement or legal guardianship is in place.

You can apply for any dependants (children/dependent adults) using your personal OneFeather account.

For more information on the Dependants process, see Getting started with dependent applications.

 

Can I apply for my child who is aged 16 or older?

Yes, however only if your child is considered a dependent adult and meets the description below:

An Order of Guardianship document is required to apply on behalf of a dependent adult.

Children living at home, who are not considered dependent adults, over the age of 16 will need to apply using their own OneFeather account and the adult application form.

 

Are your status card services open to people living in the U.S?

Our status card renewal/replacement services are open to:

  • First Nations peoples in Canada
  • Those who live in the U.S, and are from a Canadian First Nation

 

How does the status card process work/ what is the timeline?

You will need to create a OneFeather account at members.onefeather.ca using your personal email address. Creating an account only takes a few minutes and will give you access to online status card applications. 

  1. Once your account has been created, select Status Card Applications from the home page and choose whether the application is for yourself or a child/dependant.
  2. Our application process is easy and will guide you step-by-step. Fill out your information, attach a valid government-issued ID, take a portrait photo for your card, and review and sign your application.
  3. You may need to pay for your application depending on whether or not your Nation has a subscription to OneFeather. If your Nation does not, you will see the payment page.
  4. In most cases, you will also need to attach a guarantor* to your application to verify your identity.
    *A guarantor is someone with status who has known you for at least 2 years.
  5. When you submit your application with OneFeather, it comes to us for a review so we can check to make sure it will not be held up at Indigenous Services Canada. If we find anything, we contact your directly via email or text (based on your notification settings) with support to make any necessary changes.
    ***Please watch for our emails and add us to your safe list—your application will not be submitted to Canada if we contact you about changes.
  6. Once your application is good to go, we notify your guarantor by email (we'll also send you an email to let you know we've contacted them) to review and sign your application.
  7. Once your guarantor has completed their portion, we submit your completed application to Indigenous Services Canada digitally—ensuring it gets there quickly and without the risk of being lost in the mail.
  8. Indigenous Services Canada processes your application and mails your new card to you directly. This can take anywhere from 3-12 weeks depending on the volume of applications at ISC at the time of submission.
    ***Please note: We have no control or visibility of your application once it has been submitted to ISC due to privacy laws. You will need to contact ISC directly if you have any questions regarding the status of your application. 

 

For detailed step-by-step see here

 

What happens if I have changed my name?

If you've had a name change, these are the documents that are required:

  • A government-issued photo ID with your new name on it. This means you need to change your name in person with one governing body first, such as your driver's license.
  • And any one of the following name-linking documents that links your former name to your new name: marriage certificate, divorce order or certificate, name-change certificate, or an amended birth certificate with your current name and name of your parents.

 

How do I take a portrait photo that fits the requirements of a passport-style photo?

This is the part of the application that some people can have a difficult time with as photo quality is entirely subjective to everyone. The portrait photo requirements are determined by the Government of Canada and our application process is required to follow them.

We also understand getting the right photo can be difficult if you are doing it yourself. It is very important to read the instructions carefully first, and use the review portrait process at the end of the application to check if your photo meets all the necessary requirements.

You can use a cell phone camera, tablet, or digital camera:

  • The photo needs to be good quality and is best taken during the day. If you see blurs, smudges on the lens of the camera, dark shadows or grainy textures, you may need to use a different device for the photo.
  • Bright lighting is essential! Watch that it's not coming from directly above you or it will cast shadows on your face or background and make the photo not acceptable.
  • There should be a plain light background behind you. The background can be a light coloured wall but must be clear of any objects or obvious textures (such as wrinkled fabric, wood panelling, wall moldings, etc.)
  • Your head and shoulders should be pointed forward and a neutral expression on your face (no smiling)
  • If you require glasses to see, they may be worn if they have clear lenses, however there can be NO lighting glare on the lenses in the photo. When it doubt, remove them for the photo if you can.
  • Do not wear hats (religious or essential medical head coverings are allowed).

If we think ISC may reject your photo, our support staff will reach out by email or text to provide instructions and support on how to take a new photo. 

Our new photo cropper tool in the application makes it easier to position your photograph!

If you experience difficulties taking a portrait photo yourself, we suggest asking a friend or family member to help. You may also use a service that takes passport photos for you, such as Shopper’s Drug Mart or London Drugs—just make sure they are able to send you a digital copy of your photo. ISC does not accept photos of photos, so you will need to ask for the digital copy to submit with your application.

 

What government-issued photo IDs are accepted?

You will need to attach 1 piece of valid (not expired) government-issued ID with your application. The ID you choose must contain all of the following items in order to be acceptable:

  1. A photo
  2. Legal name
  3. Date of birth
  4. Signature

Primary Accepted IDs:

  • Driver’s license (CA/US)
  • Provincial / Territorial, or State ID (CA/US)
  • Health Card - Must contain: photo, legal name, date of birth, and signature. (CA/US)
  • Passport (CA/US)
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS)

Secondary accepted IDs:

  • Government Employee ID (CA/USA)
  • Canadian Military ID
  • Provincial, Territorial, or Federal Correction Services ID
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • US Passport Card
  • Permanent Resident Card (CA/USA)
  • US Old Age Security Card
  • Nexus or Fast Card - Must contain: photo, legal name, date of birth, and signature.
  • Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) - Dependant applications only.

If you need to select a different ID type, click the Change link under Document Type in the supporting documents section. 

Your photo ID must be valid and not expired—we suggest at least 30 days of validity left on your ID card to ensure it doesn't cause a rejection of your application at Indigenous Services when being processed.
 

Who can I ask to be my guarantor?

Anyone can be your guarantor—a friend, family member, band member, co-worker, etc. as long as they meet the below criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Has status (and can provide their status #)
  • Has known you for at least 2+ years
  • Can be reachable for verification by Indigenous Services Canada if necessary

Please note: For child/adult dependent applications, parents/guardians cannot act as the guarantor for the application.

Your guarantor will be notified by email when your application is ready for them to review and complete their Guarantor Declaration. 

 

What are the benefits of renewing/replacing a status card?

When you renew or replace your card with OneFeather, you will receive the Canada-issued Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card, complete with security features.
 

SCIS_Front_Big.png
Example of a Secure Certificate of Indian Status card


The benefits of having a valid (not expired) SCIS card:

  • A federally recognized form of government-issued I.D for Indigenous peoples
  • Crossing the Canada–U.S. border at both land and marine ports of entry (subject to border control officer's discretion)
  • Tax exemptions, in specific situations
  • Provides some non-insured health services
  • Good for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children

 

How secure is my information?

Data security is essential to everything we do here at OneFeather. All personal identifiable information (PII) is encrypted in transit and at rest, with robust security measures in place to ensure your information is guarded and safe. 

We also stand firm on our data sovereignty practices—All information added to our platform is owned by the individual or Nation that has added it. We will never ask for more information that what is absolutely necessary to use our tools or services and will never share or distribute your data with outside partners unless a service you wish to use requires it and only with your explicit consent first.

OneFeather is Personal Information & Privacy Act compliance verified and SOC 2 type II certified. 

 

How do we work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)?

OneFeather serves as a culturally safe intermediary between you and Indigenous Services Canada. We've developed an online status card renewal and replacement application to remove the significant barriers that many people face when trying to get something as essential as a status card renewal or replacement. We've heard your stories and frustrations—and we've experienced them ourselves.

 

Our Role in Your Application

We help you apply for your renewal or replacement status card through our easy-to-use online application. Here's how we support you:

  • Our dedicated support team reviews every application to identify potential issues that could delay or prevent you from receiving your card
  • We provide personalized assistance to help you make any necessary updates before your application is submitted to ISC
  • We submit applications to Canada digitally and securely, eliminating the delays and risks associated with traditional mail
  • We maintain a 98% success rate in helping people receive their status cards through our process

Important distinction: We facilitate your application and ensure it's complete and accurate, while Indigenous Services Canada processes your application and issues your new card.

 

What Happens If There's an Issue?

In rare cases, ISC may reject an application—typically for reasons beyond our view or control. If this happens:

  • Please contact us immediately
  • We'll help identify and address any issues
  • We'll refund your application fee
  • We'll resubmit your application at no additional cost

 

What We Don't Currently Offer

Please Note: We do not currently process initial applications for Indian Status registration. If you need to register under the Indian Act for the first time, you must apply directly with Indigenous Services Canada.

OneFeather supports you in obtaining your status ID card—whether it's your first Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or a renewal/replacement—but you must already have a status number to use our service.

 

What happens if I am rejected?

In the very rare event that you are rejected by ISC (Indigenous Services Canada), we provide a refund and help you through the process if you want to proceed to try again. Our Support Team are here for you!

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