Social Insurance Number (SIN) In Canada

Obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada is one of the first tasks you need to complete upon your arrival. This is important because you cannot legally work in Canada without a SIN, regardless of your status in the country. Keep reading to find out who needs to apply and how.

What is a Social Insurance Number

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used by government agencies to identify you. You will need it to work legally in Canada, pay taxes, or access government programs and benefits, like Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

The purpose of a Canadian Social Insurance Number is similar to the National Insurance Number in the UK, the Tax File Number in Australia, the Social Security Number in the US, the PPS number in Ireland, and similar personal employment numbers in a range of countries.

Who Needs a SIN

All Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents (International students or temporary workers) need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs. People who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN number.

Why do I need a Social Insurance Number in Canada?

When you start a job, you are required to provide your Canadian SIN to your employer. There is no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada.

In addition to needing a Social Insurance Number for employment in Canada, the Social Insurance Number in Canada is used for filing personal taxes and obtaining benefits.

How To Apply For A Social Insurance Number (SIN) In Canada?

You can apply online, by mail or in person. Depending on your status in Canada, you will be requested a list of documents.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens must provide the following documents

• Primary identity document: birth certificate, or certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977a
• Secondary document: A valid passport (Canadian or foreign) or a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, or driver’s license or any other Canadian government-issued ID
• Supporting document: In case your current name does not match the name on the primary identity document and/or secondary document provided, you must submit a supporting document, like a certificate of marriage, a legal change of name certificate.

Permanent Residents

Permanent Residents must provide the following documents

• Primary identity document: Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC or your Record of Landing issued by CIC
• Secondary document: Your foreign passport, or a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license or any other Canadian government-issued ID
• Supporting document: In case your current name does not match the name on the primary identity document and/or secondary document provided, you must submit a supporting document. Check the list of accepted supporting documents.

International students

To apply for a SIN number as an international student, you will need:

• Primary identity documents: Your study permit, which must indicate that you are eligible to work in Canada. Otherwise, you may get what’s called an Individual Tax Number (ITN). Also, your visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC.
• Secondary document: Your valid foreign passport, or a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license or any other Canadian government-issued ID
• Supporting document: In case your current name does not match the name on the primary identity document and/or secondary document provided, you must submit a supporting document. Check the list of accepted supporting documents.

Where can I get a Social Insurance Number in Canada?

You can apply for a Canadian SIN in-person, online, or by mail (only under certain circumstances).

In-person Social Insurance Number application requirements

In-person applications can be made by gathering the documentation you need and bringing these to your nearest Service Canada office.

You can find some offices at the airport, but only upon arrival at select airports like Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International, and only during the specific hours of operation for the on-site

Online Social Insurance Number application requirements

In order to apply for your Canadian SIN online, you need the digital copies in PDF of the list of documents according to your legal status in Canada. Once you have these documents, you can apply online through the government’s SIN website.

Social Insurance Number applications by mail

You may apply for a SIN number in Canada by mail if you live more than 100 kilometres from your nearest Service Canada office, or if extenuating circumstances prevent you from presenting in person and another individual cannot submit an application on your behalf, or if you are applying from outside Canada. Learn more here.

How long does it take to get a Social Insurance Number in Canada?

• If you apply in person, your Social Insurance Number is given to you during your visit, on a printed sheet of paper, called a Confirmation of SIN letter.
• For online applications: You will receive a confirmation email that your request was received. Then you would receive a second email, usually 1-3 business days, to create or access your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) and get the new SIN number.
• For mail applications, you should receive your SIN Number within 20 days of the receipt of your application..

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Sin Number FAQs

How do I find my SIN number in Canada?

Once you get your SIN number, you can either find your SIN number in your confirmation letter or on relevant documents from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA).

You can also access your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to view and print your SIN number

How do I get a replacement SIN?

Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards; knowing your SIN eliminates the need for a card.

• You can check and print your SIN by signing into your MSCA account. A new number will not be issued.
• A new SIN may be issued only if there is clear evidence of fraudulent use of your current SIN. For more information, refer to SIN Fraud and Data Breaches.

What documents do I need to get a new SIN?

To apply for a new Social Insurance Number, you must provide the same documents listed above, depending on your status in Canada.

If you are applying for someone else, you may need to provide additional documents.

Protecting your Social Insurance Number in Canada

Your Canadian Social Insurance Number is confidential. It could be used maliciously to obtain private information about you, so it’s important to only disclose your SIN number when it’s essential to do so.

Employers, financial institutions, and government agencies will usually require your SIN number for legitimate reasons, which include setting up your income tax and benefit arrangements.

It is not illegal for private companies to ask for your Social Insurance Number in Canada, however, it is discouraged. Examples where it is not required include property rental applications, credit card applications, subscribing to phone or internet providers, or applying to a college.

If you are unsure why your SIN number is being requested, offer an alternative proof of identity, and ask to speak to a manager if this is not accepted.