Reclaim your Indigenous identity on official documents
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete step-by-step process to update your PR card with your reclaimed Indigenous name
- Required documents and forms you need to submit (with specific form numbers)
- How to get the $50 fee waived until May 2026 using one simple statement
- Legal documentation requirements when your current name differs from original records
- Timeline expectations and what happens after you submit your application
Summary:
If you've reclaimed your Indigenous name, you can update your PR card completely free of charge until May 31, 2026. This innovative initiative, stemming from Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17, allows Indigenous peoples to restore their traditional names on official Canadian documents without the typical $50 replacement fee. The process requires specific eligibility forms, a simple fee waiver statement, and supporting documentation if your name differs from your original landing records. Understanding these requirements upfront can save you months of delays and ensure your application is processed smoothly the first time.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Indigenous name changes on PR cards are completely free until May 31, 2026
- You must submit either IRM 0004 or IRM 0005 form depending on your situation
- Upload a simple statement requesting fee waiver in the payment portal section
- Additional legal documents required if your current name differs from original records
- This initiative directly supports Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17
Maria Littlewolf stared at her PR card, seeing the anglicized name she'd carried for decades – a name imposed during her grandmother's residential school years. After months of ceremony and community consultation, she had reclaimed her traditional Cree name. Now, she wondered: could her official Canadian documents finally reflect who she truly was?
For thousands of Indigenous permanent residents across Canada, this scenario represents both a deeply personal journey and a bureaucratic challenge. The good news? Canada has made this process not only possible but completely free until May 2026.
Understanding the Indigenous Name Reclamation Process
The ability to change your PR card to reflect your reclaimed Indigenous name represents a significant shift in Canadian immigration policy. This isn't just another name change – it's recognition of historical wrongs and active support for cultural reclamation.
Unlike standard name changes that cost $50 and require extensive legal documentation, Indigenous name reclamation follows a streamlined process designed specifically for this purpose. The government recognizes that many Indigenous names were lost or changed due to colonization, residential schools, and assimilation policies.
What makes this different from regular name changes:
- No fees until May 31, 2026
- Specialized forms designed for Indigenous applicants
- Recognition that these aren't "new" names but reclaimed traditional ones
- Part of Canada's formal response to Truth and Reconciliation recommendations
Required Documentation: Which Forms You Need
The documentation you need depends on your specific situation. You'll submit one of two specialized forms along with your PR card renewal application:
Option 1: Confirmation of Eligibility Form (IRM 0004) Use this form if you're requesting a replacement document specifically under Call to Action 17. This form confirms your eligibility for the free name change and documents your connection to your reclaimed Indigenous name.
Option 2: Statutory Declaration Form (IRM 0005)
Choose this form if you're making a formal statutory declaration to reclaim your Indigenous name on your PR card. This option provides a legal framework for your name reclamation.
How to decide which form to use: If you're unsure which form applies to your situation, consider consulting with Indigenous Services Canada or a legal aid clinic specializing in Indigenous rights. The wrong form won't invalidate your application, but it could slow processing times.
Both forms require you to provide information about your traditional name, your connection to it, and your Indigenous heritage. You'll also need to explain why you're reclaiming this name and how it connects to your cultural identity.
Getting Your Fees Waived: The Simple Statement That Saves $50
Here's where the process becomes remarkably straightforward. When you reach the payment section of the online portal, instead of paying the standard $50 PR card replacement fee, you'll upload a document with this exact statement:
"I have reclaimed my Indigenous name, please refer to my completed declaration form"
That's it. This simple statement, combined with your completed IRM 0004 or IRM 0005 form, triggers the fee waiver. Immigration officers are trained to recognize this request and process it accordingly.
Important timing note: This fee waiver expires on May 31, 2026. If you're considering reclaiming your Indigenous name, starting the process before this deadline could save you money and take advantage of the current streamlined procedures.
When Your Current Name Differs From Original Records
If your present name is different from what's printed on your original immigration documents – your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) – you'll need additional documentation.
Required additional documents include:
- Supporting legal documents proving any previous name changes
- Supporting identity documents as specified in the application guidelines
- Provincial ID showing the name you're requesting on your new PR card
- A copy of your original Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
This requirement exists because immigration officials need to trace the connection between your original entry documents and your current identity. If you've had multiple name changes over the years, you'll need to document each change.
Common scenarios requiring additional documentation:
- You changed your name through marriage or divorce after receiving PR status
- You previously did a legal name change through provincial courts
- Your original immigration documents show a different spelling of your name
- You've been using a different name professionally or personally
The Truth and Reconciliation Connection
This entire process exists because of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17, which specifically calls on governments to enable Indigenous peoples to reclaim names that were changed by colonial processes.
The Commission found that many Indigenous people lost their traditional names through residential schools, Indian agents, or other assimilation policies. Some families anglicized names to avoid discrimination. Others had names changed by immigration officials who couldn't pronounce or spell traditional Indigenous names correctly.
What this means for your application: Your name reclamation isn't just a personal choice – it's part of a broader reconciliation effort. Immigration officers processing these applications understand the historical context and cultural significance of what you're doing.
This context also explains why the process is free and why specialized forms exist. The government recognizes that charging Indigenous people to reclaim their traditional names would compound historical injustices.
Processing Timeline and What to Expect
While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada doesn't publish specific processing times for Indigenous name reclamation applications, PR card renewals typically take 4-6 weeks once all documentation is received.
Factors that could affect your timeline:
- Completeness of your initial application
- Whether you need to provide additional documentation
- Current processing volumes at your local office
- Time needed to verify supporting documents
To avoid delays:
- Double-check that you've included all required forms
- Ensure your fee waiver statement is clearly uploaded in the payment section
- Include clear copies of all supporting documents
- Use the exact wording provided for your fee waiver request
If your application is missing documents, you'll receive a request for additional information, which can add several weeks to the process.
Beyond Your PR Card: Other Documents You Can Update
Once you've successfully updated your PR card with your reclaimed Indigenous name, you might want to consider updating other federal documents. The same Call to Action 17 provisions apply to Canadian citizenship certificates for those who later become citizens.
Provincial documents like driver's licenses, health cards, and birth certificates have their own processes and requirements. Some provinces have also implemented fee waivers for Indigenous name reclamation, but policies vary significantly across Canada.
Planning your document updates strategically: Start with your PR card since it's a foundational identity document. Once updated, it becomes supporting documentation for changing other IDs. This creates a paper trail that makes subsequent changes easier to process.
Conclusion
Reclaiming your Indigenous name on your PR card represents both a personal journey and a tangible step toward reconciliation. With no fees until May 2026 and a streamlined process designed specifically for Indigenous applicants, there's never been a better time to restore your traditional name on official documents.
The key to success lies in understanding which forms you need, providing complete documentation upfront, and using the exact fee waiver language in your application. Remember that this process exists because Canada recognizes the historical injustices that separated Indigenous people from their traditional names – your application is part of healing that legacy.
Whether you're like Maria, seeing an anglicized name that doesn't reflect your true identity, or you're ready to honor ancestors whose names were lost to assimilation policies, this process offers a pathway home. Your reclaimed name on your PR card isn't just updated paperwork – it's a declaration of who you are and where you come from.
FAQ
Q: Can I really change my PR card to my Indigenous name for free, and how long is this offer available?
Yes, Indigenous permanent residents can update their PR cards with reclaimed traditional names completely free of charge until May 31, 2026. This initiative stems from Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 17 and waives the standard $50 PR card replacement fee. To access this benefit, you simply upload a statement saying "I have reclaimed my Indigenous name, please refer to my completed declaration form" in the payment portal section along with the required IRM forms. This isn't just a discount – it's recognition that charging Indigenous people to reclaim names lost through colonization and residential schools would compound historical injustices. The May 2026 deadline means if you're considering this change, starting the process now ensures you benefit from both the fee waiver and current streamlined procedures designed specifically for Indigenous applicants.
Q: Which forms do I need to submit, and how do I know if I should use IRM 0004 or IRM 0005?
You'll need to submit either the Confirmation of Eligibility Form (IRM 0004) or the Statutory Declaration Form (IRM 0005) along with your PR card renewal application. Use IRM 0004 if you're specifically requesting a replacement document under Call to Action 17 – this form confirms your eligibility for the free name change and documents your connection to your reclaimed Indigenous name. Choose IRM 0005 if you're making a formal statutory declaration to reclaim your Indigenous name, which provides a stronger legal framework for your name reclamation. Both forms require information about your traditional name, Indigenous heritage, cultural connection, and explanation of why you're reclaiming this name. If you're unsure which applies to your situation, consult with Indigenous Services Canada or a legal aid clinic specializing in Indigenous rights. Using the wrong form won't invalidate your application, but it could slow processing times.
Q: What additional documents do I need if my current name is different from my original immigration records?
If your present name differs from what's on your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), you must provide supporting legal documents proving any previous name changes, supporting identity documents as specified in application guidelines, provincial ID showing the name you're requesting, and a copy of your original immigration documents. This requirement helps immigration officials trace the connection between your original entry documents and current identity. Common scenarios requiring additional documentation include name changes through marriage or divorce after receiving PR status, previous legal name changes through provincial courts, different spelling on original documents, or using different names professionally. Immigration officers need this paper trail because they must verify the legitimate progression from your original immigration identity to your reclaimed Indigenous name, ensuring document integrity while supporting cultural reclamation.
Q: How long does the processing take, and what can I do to avoid delays?
While IRCC doesn't publish specific timelines for Indigenous name reclamation applications, PR card renewals typically take 4-6 weeks once complete documentation is received. However, several factors can affect your timeline: completeness of your initial application, whether additional documentation is needed, current processing volumes, and time required to verify supporting documents. To avoid delays, double-check that you've included all required forms, ensure your fee waiver statement uses the exact wording ("I have reclaimed my Indigenous name, please refer to my completed declaration form"), upload clear copies of all supporting documents, and include everything upfront rather than waiting for requests. Missing documents trigger requests for additional information, which can add several weeks to processing. Since this is part of reconciliation efforts, immigration officers understand the cultural significance, but complete applications still process faster than incomplete ones requiring follow-up correspondence.
Q: Can I update other government documents with my Indigenous name using the same process?
The Call to Action 17 provisions that enable free PR card name changes also apply to Canadian citizenship certificates if you later become a citizen, but each document type has its own specific process and requirements. Provincial documents like driver's licenses, health cards, and birth certificates operate under different systems – some provinces have implemented their own fee waivers for Indigenous name reclamation, but policies vary significantly across Canada. Strategically, start with your PR card since it serves as foundational identity documentation that can then support other document changes. Once your PR card reflects your reclaimed name, it becomes supporting documentation for updating provincial IDs, creating a paper trail that makes subsequent changes easier to process. This approach builds a consistent identity record across all your official documents, though you'll need to research specific requirements for each provincial agency and document type you want to update.
Q: What happens if I miss the May 2026 deadline – will I lose the ability to reclaim my Indigenous name on my PR card?
After May 31, 2026, you'll still be able to reclaim your Indigenous name on your PR card, but the process will likely revert to standard name change procedures, including the $50 replacement fee and potentially more complex documentation requirements. The current streamlined process with specialized IRM forms and automatic fee waivers is specifically tied to the reconciliation initiative's timeline. If you miss the deadline, you'd probably need to follow regular PR card name change procedures, which typically require more extensive legal documentation and don't have the cultural context recognition built into the current system. However, the fundamental right to reclaim your Indigenous name won't disappear – it's the simplified, free process that's time-limited. Given that applications can take 4-6 weeks to process, if you're considering this change, you should start the process well before May 2026 to ensure your application is submitted and processed under the current beneficial terms rather than risking last-minute complications or reverting to standard procedures.
