Canada’s Fee Waiver for Reclaiming Indigenous Names on Identity Documents Ending Soon
Canada has announced that its temporary fee waiver program for Indigenous peoples reclaiming traditional names on official identity documents will officially end on May 30, 2026.
The initiative, introduced in 2021 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 17. It allowed Indigenous individuals, residential school survivors, and their descendants to update official documents using reclaimed Indigenous names without paying government processing fees.
What Documents Are Covered Under the Fee Waiver?
Eligible applicants have been able to replace or update several important Canadian identity documents free of charge, including:
• Passports
• Travel documents
• Citizenship certificates
• Permanent Resident (PR) cards
The waiver remains available until May 30, 2026. Beginning May 31, 2026, standard processing fees will once again apply to all name-change and replacement requests.
Why the Program Was Created
The program was introduced to help address the lasting impact of historical government policies that forced many Indigenous peoples to abandon or alter their traditional names, particularly during the residential school era.
As part of reconciliation efforts, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended removing financial and administrative barriers for Indigenous individuals seeking to restore their original names on official documents. IRCC responded by launching the five-year fee waiver initiative in 2021.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the fee waiver before the deadline, applicants generally must:
• Be an Indigenous person, residential school survivor, or descendant
• Possess valid identification documents
• Provide supporting documentation or proof of legal name change for the reclaimed Indigenous name
Certain documents, including passports and PR cards, must also meet specific validity requirements at the time of application.
Important Deadline to Remember
Individuals wishing to reclaim Indigenous names without paying government fees are encouraged to submit their applications before May 30, 2026.
After this date, applicants will still be able to update their names through regular procedures, but standard IRCC processing fees will apply.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Canada’s temporary fee waiver program marks the end of an important reconciliation initiative aimed at helping Indigenous peoples restore traditional names on official identity documents. Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped reduce financial barriers for thousands seeking to reconnect with their cultural identity and heritage.
With the May 30, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible individuals still have time to take advantage of the fee-free process before regular fees are reinstated.