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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 a primary document to prove your identity and legal status in Canada.
If you are a permanent resident, you can supply the following IRCC-issued documents:
If you are a temporary resident, you can supply the following IRCC-issued documents:
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:
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 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 in person, 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. |
If you are in some circumstances listed here, you can apply by 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 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.
