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Combined Manual

Combined Manual


AMERICAN INDIANS BORN IN CANADA WHO ARE MEMBERS OF A FEDERALLY-RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBE

ISSUE DATE: 08/2024

People are eligible as an “American Indian Born in Canada” only if they have the required documentation listed below.

Some American Indians born in Canada can freely enter the United States after providing documentation of their status. People can enter the United States with a Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card or Secured Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card, also known as a "status card," issued by Indigenous Services Canada. This status card only works for entry into the United States. The status card alone is not enough to qualify for public benefits. People must meet other criteria to be eligible for public benefits. 

Eligibility

  • MFIP 
  • DWP 
  • SNAP
  • MSA
  • GA 

*See below for more information for determining cash assistance eligibility.

Examples of Documentation

  • Both of the following:
  • A Canadian birth certificate, AND
  • Documentation of at least “one-half American Indian blood” (such as a “quantum letter” issued by the person’s tribe or a letter of ancestry issued by the federal office of Crown-Indigenous Relations showing at least 50% American Indian blood-quantum)

OR

  • I-551 stamp in Canadian passport 
  • LPR Card with category code S13
  • I-94 record with code S13

Likely to be sponsored?

No.

Immigration Documents language

These immigration documents are often very unique

Look for language on a document issued by the United States federal government that says the person:

  • Entered the United States “under Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act”, or 
  • Is a member of a “Federally-recognized Indian tribe under §4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act”. 

Submit a PQ with any questions.

Category Code - Lawful Permanent Resident Card 

  • Explains a person's "Adjusted from" status.

S13

Category Code - I-94 record

LPR

Determining Cash Assistance eligibility

Determine if the person is eligible for federally-funded or state-funded MFIP.

Federally-Funded MFIP eligibility

American Indians born in Canada are eligible for federally-funded MFIP five years from the date they become Lawful Permanent Residents.

State-funded MFIP Eligibility

American Indians born in Canada are eligible for state-funded MFIP.

DWP:

Follow MFIP guidance except where noted, See 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services), and 0013.05 (DWP Bases of Eligibility).

MSA, GA:

American Indians born in Canada are eligible.

GRH:

American Indians born in Canada are NOT eligible for GRH unless they have evidence that they are qualified non-citizens, including Lawful Permanent Resident status. 

SNAP:

American Indians born in Canada are eligible.

PREVIOUS REVISIONS

DateNotes
05/2024 New section: Explains this immigration status, public benefits eligibility, and other important factors to consider for people with this immigration status.

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