Find out about crossing the Canada−U.S. border as a Status Indian and which status cards can be used.

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations communities to attend to long-standing Canada−U.S. border-crossing issues. To find out more about what is being done, visit Canada implements measures to address Canada−U.S. border crossing issues for First Nations .

Can you use a status card to cross the border?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has been advised that U.S. border officials will accept any version of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status and any version of the Certificate of Indian Status, if still valid, to cross the Canada–U.S. border at both land and marine ports of entry.

The Government of Canada cautions that the acceptance of those status cards is entirely at the discretion of the U.S. government.

If your status card is no longer valid, you may have difficulty crossing the Canada–U.S. border. To find out which cards are currently valid, visit Is your status card still valid.