On this page:
- Do I need to provide legal documents for a dependent application?
- Types of accepted legal documents
- How to scan your documents
- How to upload legal documents
- How to delete legal documents
- What if I do not have any legal documents?
- What if I am a relative (for eg. a grandmother, aunt, or sibling) but not a parent?
Do I need to provide legal documents for a dependent application?
If custody or guardianship has changed since the child received their last status card, Indigenous Services Canada requires you provide updated legal documents related to that change.
If you are applying for a dependent adult, you will need to include a copy of the Order of Guardianship with your application, even if nothing has changed since their last status card.
Why do I need to provide legal documents?
This is to prove that you (the parent or guardian) are legally eligible to apply on behalf of the child or dependent adult.
Types of accepted legal documents
- Divorce Judgment
- Separation Agreement
- Custody Order
- Guardianship Order
- Adoption-related documents
- Any additional legal proceedings regarding the custody of the child
How to scan your legal documents
When uploading your legal documents it is best to get the highest quality photo to make sure that it will be fully readable. Below are a few different options we recommend to get a high quality scan from your mobile device:
- Google Drive - Android / iOS(Apple)
- Apple Notes - iOS(Apple)
- Microsoft Lens - Android/ iOS(Apple)
- Scannable - iOS(Apple)
How to upload legal documents
- In the Custody or Guardianship page, click Yes for Do you need to attach legal documents to your application
- On the bottom of the next page click Upload a legal document
- In the Document Type box, enter the type of legal document you are uploading
- In the Document Images section, click Select
- Select the image(s) of your legal document from your computer or mobile device
- Click Add Document
Your legal document has now been added. You may repeat this process for as many documents you need for the Status Card Application.
How to delete legal documents
Once you upload a document you can delete the document and replace it or it may not be needed for the application.
- In the uploaded Legal Documents section scroll down to the document you wish to remove
- Click the Remove button
- In the "Are you sure you would like to remove this document?" popup window confirm you wish to delete the document.
- If you do not want to delete the legal document, click Cancel
Your legal document will be removed from the application and you can add another legal document or continue the application.
What if I do not have any legal documents proving I am eligible to apply for a dependent?
If you are parent who is separated but has shared custody of a child with no legal arrangement, you are not required to provide legal documents if there are none.
If you are a legal guardian of a child or dependent adult, you are required to attach an Order of Guardianship to apply for a status card on behalf of a dependent and will need to seek a copy of the document from the original source if you do not currently have one.
If you have lost or misplaced custody or guardianship documents proving you are eligible to apply on behalf of a child or dependent adult, we suggest seeking copies of those documents from the original source before applying for a status card on behalf of a dependent.
What if I am a relative (for eg. a grandmother, aunt, or sibling) but not a parent, can I apply for a status card on behalf of a child or dependent adult that lives with me?
Only if you are a legal guardian and have an Order of Guardianship or other legal documentation to prove that a child or dependent adult is in your care.