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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?
The following individuals can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN):
Children who are at least 12 years old can apply by themselves to have their own SAN.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents,
- Work Permit and Study Permit (if allowed to work) holders,
- Individuals born outside Canada and registered under the Indian Act,
- Individuals residing outside Canada with no legal status in Canada and eligible for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec.
Children who are at least 12 years old can apply by themselves to have their own SAN.
How and where do I apply for a SIN?
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You can apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) either in person, online or via mail.
If you apply in person, you will need to request an appointment first at the nearest Service Canada Office. You will receive your SIN at the end of the visit (which usually takes less than 15 minutes). The original documents provided will be returned to you. |
If you apply online, you can use this link to submit your request. You will receive by mail your SIN within 15 business days from the day the application is received. If it has been more than 15 business days, you can contact the SIN program.
If you apply via mail, beware that you have to send your original documents by mail and Service Canada is not responsible for any document loss. You will receive by mail your SIN and original documents within 25 business days from the day the application is received. If it has been more than 25 business days, you can contact the SIN program.
If you apply via mail, beware that you have to send your original documents by mail and Service Canada is not responsible for any document loss. You will receive by mail your SIN and original documents within 25 business days from the day the application is received. If it has been more than 25 business days, you can contact the SIN program.
What do I need to apply for a SIN?
To apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you will need:
If your actual name is 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 you are a parent or legal guardian applying on behalf of a minor or a dependent adult child, you will need to provide all required documents above for yourself, and the primary document only for the child (and other supporting documents in case of name discrepancy).
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:
- in person, you need to bring it with you,
- online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document,
- by mail, you need to send the original document. It will be returned to you via mail.
- If you are a permanent resident, you can supply one of the following IRCC-issued documents:
- The original permanent resident card,
- 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 one of the following documents:
- the original Work Permit issued by IRCC,
- the original Study Permit issued by IRCC, 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,
- the visitor record issued by IRCC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada,
- the diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
- If you apply:
- a secondary document to confirm you identity:
- If you apply:
- in person, you need to bring it with you,
- online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document,
- by mail, you do not need to provide this document. But you need to fill and sign a SIN application form.
- 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.
- If you apply:
- a proof of address that contains the applicant name (surname and given name) and the applicant address:
- If you apply:
- in person, you do not need to provide this document,
- online, you need to provide a clear and legible electronic copy of the document,
- by mail, you do not need to provide this document. But you need to fill and sign a SIN application form.
- 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:
If your actual name is 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 you are a parent or legal guardian applying on behalf of a minor or a dependent adult child, you will need to provide all required documents above for yourself, and the primary document only for the child (and other supporting documents in case of name discrepancy).
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 attestation or affidavit (when the translator is not a member of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters) written and signed by the translator.
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.
