Program delivery update: Reclaiming an Indigenous name for citizenship and permanent residence at IRCC

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

June 14, 2021

As part of the recommendations made in 2015 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation, IRCC has implemented a special process to allow Indigenous clients to reclaim their Indigenous name on their Canadian citizenship certificate or permanent resident card.

The new instructions provide direction, document requirements and procedures to enable clients to reclaim their Indigenous name with the following lines of business:

New instructions

Updated instructions

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