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Social Insurance Number (SIN)
How to get your SIN upon arrival if you are Permanent or Temporary Resident
One of the first things to do as soon as you land in Canada is to get your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You cannot legally work without it.
What's a SIN and why do I need it?
In order to identify you in Canada, governmental agencies (federal and provincial) will use your SIN number. This 9-digit number will allow you to have a job, do your taxes, and/or receive governmental benefits (Canada Pension Plan, or Employment Insurance, etc.).
Who can apply for a SIN?
If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for a SIN.
For temporary residents, only Work Permit and Study Permit (if allowed to work) holders are eligible for a SIN.
Children who are at least 12 years old can apply to have their own Social Insurance Number.
For temporary residents, only Work Permit and Study Permit (if allowed to work) holders are eligible for a SIN.
Children who are at least 12 years old can apply to have their own Social Insurance Number.
What do I need to apply for a SIN?
To apply for a Social Insurance Number, you need :
If your actual name if different from the name indicated in your primary document, you will need to provide the original of any legal document explaining the discrepancy (marriage or divorce certificate, adoption documents, etc.).
If any of your documents is not in French or English, you must also provide:
- a primary document to prove your identity and legal status in Canada :
- If you apply online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document.
- If you apply by mail, you need to send the original document. It will be returned to you via mail.
- If you apply in person, you need to bring it with you.
- If you are a permanent resident, you can supply the following IRCC-issued documents:
- The original permanent resident card, or
- The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and (i) a passeport or (ii) provincial/territorial issued ID card (healthcare card, driver's licence).
- If you are a temporary resident, you can supply the following IRCC-issued documents:
- the original Work Permit, or
- the original Study Permit, stating that you "may work" or "may accept employment". If your Study Permit doesn’t have these conditions, but you think you meet the criteria to be allowed to work, you can ask IRCC to amend your permit, so you can apply for a SIN. Adding these conditions is free of charge.
- a secondary document to confirm you identity :
- If you apply online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document.
- If you apply by mail, you do not need to provide this document. But you need to fill and sign a SIN application form.
- If you apply in person, you need to bring it with you.
- The document must contain your legal name (surname and given name) as well as your date of birth. Examples of acceptable secondary documents include:
- a passport (Canadian or foreign)
- a provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- any other government-issued ID.
- a proof of address that contains the applicant name (surname and given name) the applicant address
- If you apply online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document.
- If you apply by mail, you do not need to provide this document. But you need to fill and sign a SIN application form.
- If you apply in person, you do not need to provide this document.
- Examples of acceptable proof of address :
- a letter from an organization or an institution attesting the mailing address of the applicant. The organization/institution and the applicant must sign the letter confirming the mailing address,
- employment contract that shows your address,
- any document issued by a school, college or university that shows your address,
- a bill (from among others a telecom provider, a cable provider, a utility provider, etc.),
- a residential tenancy agreement/ lease,
- a letter or document from a financial institution (bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage contract or statement, etc.),
- a letter or document from a government (federal, provincial, territorial or foreign).
- If you apply online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document.
If your actual name if different from the name indicated in your primary document, you will need to provide the original of any legal document explaining the discrepancy (marriage or divorce certificate, adoption documents, etc.).
If any of your documents is not in French or English, you must also provide:
- a French or English translation of the document, and
- an affidavit or attestation signed by the translator.
How and where do I apply for a SIN?
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You can apply for a SIN either online or by mail. You can also apply in person if you cannot apply online or by mail.
If you apply in person, you will receive your SIN at the end of the visit (which can take 10 minutes if there is no line). The original documents provided will be returned to you. You can find here your nearest Service Canada Office. |
For mail SIN applications, beware that you have to send your original documents by mail and Service Canada is not responsible for any document loss. You will receive your SIN and original documents within 20 business days from the day the application is received.
Protecting your SIN
Your SIN is and should remain confidential.
Someone having your SIN could use it unscrupulously to obtain your private information. It is therefore important to only divulge your SIN when necessary. When the SIN is not linked to you as its rightful owner, another person could receive your government benefits, tax refunds, etc.
The most common uses of your SIN are for your employer, your income tax information, financial institutions from which you earn interest or income, and government agencies.
Someone having your SIN could use it unscrupulously to obtain your private information. It is therefore important to only divulge your SIN when necessary. When the SIN is not linked to you as its rightful owner, another person could receive your government benefits, tax refunds, etc.
The most common uses of your SIN are for your employer, your income tax information, financial institutions from which you earn interest or income, and government agencies.
