You must send the following documents in with your application form. There will be delays in processing your application if you do not include all the required documents.

1. Application for Health Care

The applicant must complete the form. The applicant applies for his or her own health care card and can also apply for family members. If they also apply for family members, the spouse or partner must also sign the form (they must be physically present in the NWT).

• If you are not the parent, but are a legal guardian, please include a copy of the court document.

2. Legal Right to be in Canada

For Canadian Citizens:

• A copy of your birth certificate from a Canadian province or territory;
• A copy of your valid Canadian Passport or Canadian Citizenship Certificate; or
• A copy of your status card issued by Indigenous Services Canada.

For Permanent Residents/Landed Immigrants:

• A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (front and back).

For Foreign Nationals:

• A copy of your Study Permit (confirmation of enrollment is required); or
• A copy of your Work Permit or other document issued by Immigration Canada.

Please Note: Your name on the supporting document must match the name on the application.

3. Residency

Provide copies of two valid documents from the following list. The documents you send in must show your name and current home address to confirm that the NWT is your place of residence:

• Signed mortgage, rental or lease agreement;
• Rent receipt;
• Letter from private or government landlord;
• One utility bill (e.g. cable, water, gas, oil or power);
  • Note: cell phone bills are not a recognized document;
• Property tax form;
• Revenue Canada form (NWT Income Tax Return);
• Proof of employment (e.g. letter from your employer or pay stub);
• Other documents issued by Government that include your name and residential address [e.g. Child Tax Benefit Statement, Employment Insurance Benefit Statement, Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions (please white out financial details)]. 
  • Driver’s Licences and Government Ids are excluded from this list.

If you have moved to the NWT and intend to stay here for more than a year, but you cannot get two documents from this list, contact Health Services Administration at 1-800-661-0830.

4. Indigenous Status (Check if Applicable)

If you indicate that you are First Nations, Inuvialuit, Inuit or Métis, please provide relevant documentation:

• A copy of your status card (front and back) or a letter from Indigenous Services Canada;
• A copy of a letter from the applicable Inuvialuit/Inuit Registrar;
• A copy of your Métis card (front and back) or a letter from a Métis Association or a Métis Local in Canada or NWT.

Please Note: In order to be eligible for the Métis Health Benefit (MHB) program, you must apply separately. Go to www.hss.gov.nt.ca for the application form and details on eligibility criteria for the MHB program.