Canada’s Fee Waiver for Reclaiming Indigenous Names on Identity Documents Ending Soon
The Government of Canada has announced that the temporary fee waiver program allowing Indigenous people to reclaim their traditional names on official identity documents will officially end on May 30, 2026.
The initiative was introduced in 2021 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as part of Canada’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 17. The program enabled Indigenous people, residential school survivors, and their families to update identity documents with reclaimed Indigenous names at no cost.
What the Fee Waiver Covers
Under the program, eligible applicants could replace or update several important Canadian identity documents free of charge, including:
- Passports
- Travel documents
- Citizenship certificates
- Permanent Resident cards
The fee waiver applies only until May 30, 2026. Beginning May 31, 2026, applicants will still be able to update their names through regular procedures, but standard government processing fees will apply.
Why the Program Was Introduced
The fee waiver was created to support Indigenous peoples affected by historical policies that forced many to abandon or change their traditional names, particularly during the residential school era.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission urged governments across Canada to remove administrative barriers and waive fees related to reclaiming Indigenous names on official documents. In response, IRCC launched the five-year waiver program in 2021.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fee waiver before the deadline, applicants generally must:
- Be an Indigenous person, residential school survivor, or descendant
- Hold valid identity documents
- Provide proof of legal name change or supporting documentation for the reclaimed Indigenous name
Certain documents, such as passports and PR cards, must also meet validity requirements at the time of application.
Important Deadline
Eligible individuals who wish to reclaim Indigenous names without paying administrative fees are encouraged to submit their applications before May 30, 2026.
After the deadline, the special waiver will expire, and applicants will need to follow regular replacement and name-change procedures with applicable fees.
Conclusion
The upcoming end of Canada’s fee waiver program marks the conclusion of a significant reconciliation initiative aimed at helping Indigenous peoples restore traditional names on official identity documents. Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped remove financial barriers for Indigenous communities seeking to reclaim an important part of their cultural identity and heritage.
With the May 30, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible individuals still have an opportunity to access the service free of charge before standard processing fees return.