Notice from Indigenous Services Canada – Latest information when crossing the Canada-United States border as a person registered under the Indian Act

Way’ Members, the following is an update provided by Indigenous Services Canada on travel to the United States.

Here’s what your community members need to know

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on behalf of Canadians who do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States (U.S.).

Consular officials provide assistance to Canadians detained abroad (including by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (commonly referred to as ICE)) in accordance with the Canadian Consular Services Charter.

https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/consular-services/canadian-consular-services-charter

TIPS before you travel to the United States

Check Travel advice and advisories for United States for the latest information on safety and security, entry and exit requirements, consulate contact information, and more. Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad system to receive important updates.

Travel advisories: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

Registrations of Canadians Abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

If you’re crossing the Canada-U.S. border for travel purposes with a status card

Registered persons, regardless of where they are born, have the right to enter and remain in Canada. Although any valid version of the status card can be presented to enter Canada, there may be a difference between the requirements to enter Canada and the requirements to enter the U.S.

While in the past you may have been able to enter the U.S. with any valid version of the status card, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) now strongly recommends carrying a valid passport when you are travelling outside of Canada in addition to your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), also known as the secure status card.

If you’re already registered under the Indian Act and need your secure status card on an urgent basis, for example, to return to Canada, you can apply at any time, free of charge, and request priority processing.

Acceptance of all status cards is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials. Status cards can’t be used to cross the Canada−U.S. border by air.

If you’re entering the U.S. to live and work as a registered person

You may be asked to provide documentation to prove the percentage of Indian blood required under U.S. law. For

example, they may request a letter from Indigenous Services Canada or your First Nation. Indigenous Services Canada can issue a letter of ancestry confirming registered ancestors, but it does not list a person’s blood quantum. You may be asked for more documentation.

Resources

Getting or Renewing a status card: https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032380/1572461388012

or on our website with the OKIB Membership Clerk: https://www.okib.ca/services/administration/membership-department/

Crossing the Canada-U.S border with a status card:

https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032399/1572459562067

Information for indigenous travelers:

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/indigenous