Getting a Social Insurance Number in Canada (SIN Canada) is one of the first tasks you’ll need to do upon arrival. This is because you cannot legally work in Canada without one.
Why do I need a Social Insurance Number in Canada?
Your SIN number is a nine-digit number used to identify you by government agencies. You will need it to pay taxes, or access government programs and benefits, like Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, who are 12 years of age or older, may apply for their own SIN number.
The purpose of a Canadian Social Insurance Number is similar to the PPS number in Ireland, the National Insurance Number in the UK, or the Tax File Number in Australia.
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.
Where can I get a Social Insurance Number in Canada?
You can apply for a Canadian SIN by gathering the documentation you need and bringing these to your nearest Service Canada office.
Permanent residents will need to show their Permanent Resident card. A Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter is acceptable within the first year of permanent residency, when accompanied by a passport or other valid photo identification like a driver’s licence.
Temporary residents for example, those who arrive on a Working Holiday Visa in Canada, will need to provide either their Canadian work permit, or their Canadian study permit which indicates that they may accept employment.
Temporary residents will be issued with a Canadian Social Insurance Number beginning with ‘9’. The confirmation of SIN letter will have an expiry date which matches the end-date on the immigration document.
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 SIN number in Canada?
Your SIN number is given to you during your visit, on a printed sheet of paper, called a Confirmation of SIN Number letter.
Previously, plastic cards were issued with the Social Insurance Number printed on them. This practice stopped in 2014, though the cards themselves may still be used where required by anyone who still has them.
For mail applications, you will receive your SIN Number within 20 days from the receipt of your application.
How do I find my SIN number in Canada?
You can either find you SIN number for Canada on your SIN card, confirmation letter or on relevant documents from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Service Canada used to issue SIN numbers in plastic card format, however presently, they are issued in paper format. Check your records for either your card or confirmation letter.
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