As a newcomer, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) should be one of the top priorities on your to-do list when you arrive in Canada. International Students in Canada with a valid study permit, Permanent Residents, and Canadian Citizens all require a SIN to work in Canada and obtain government benefits and services.
Important: Your Social Insurance Number should always be kept private. It is illegal for anyone else to use it. Ensure you protect your SIN at all times.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work in Canada file income taxes or access government benefits and programs. Your SIN is unique and can be used as an identifier by government agencies.
To work in Canada or be eligible for services and benefits from government programs, all Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents must have a Social Insurance Number.
International students who want to work part-time while they are enrolled in classes also need to obtain a SIN. For international students, the SIN typically begins with the number 9.
Note: if you transition from a temporary resident status to a permanent resident status, you will need to apply for a new SIN, which will not begin with the number nine. You will then use the new SIN to file for taxes, payroll purposes, and more.
You can apply for a SIN online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.
Service Canada stores your personal information in the Social Insurance Register. This information includes:
Documents needed for a SIN application may vary depending on your status in Canada. All documents provided must be up-to-date, legible, and written in English or French.
Typical required documents may include:
Note: If the name on any of your provided documents is different from the name provided in your SIN application, you must provide additional legal documentation confirming our identity.
For a full list of required documents, visit the Service Canada website and Apply for a SIN.
You can apply for the SIN online through the Government of Canada website. Newcomers to Canada must select the “First Social Insurance Number” option from the drop-down menu and fill out the form. You’ll need to upload digital copies of your required documents and will typically receive your SIN by mail within 15 days.
You can book an appointment at any Service Canada Centre to apply for your SIN in person. As Newcomers you will need to bring your original documents and will receive your SIN on the same day at the location.
You can fill out and print a copy of the SIN application form and mail it along with your original documents to the following address:
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada
You’ll receive your SIN by mail, along with your original documents, within 25 days of your application.
How Can I check the status of my SIN application?
To check the status of your SIN application, Contact the Social Insurance Number (SIN) Program
If you are an individual registered under the Indian Act and you want to register your status in your SIN record, you must provide a Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada along with required documents to Service Canada.
Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN. If your child is under the age of majority in your province, you can apply for a SIN on their behalf if you are their parent, legal guardian, or legal representative.
If your child is born in Canada, you can apply for a SIN on their behalf when you register their birth through your provincial Newborn Registration Service.
If you are moving to Canada with your family and your child is a minor or dependent, you can apply for a SIN on their behalf. To do so, you must provide your own primary and secondary identity documents and proof of address (see the sections above on applying for a SIN as a temporary resident), as well as a primary identity document for your child.
You are responsible for keeping the information linked to your SIN up-to-date. To update your information, you must submit an application to make changes to your SIN record, along with the required documents.
You can apply to update your SIN record online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. There is no fee to update your SIN record.
You should update your SIN record if:
Note: You do not need to update your SIN record if your address has changed unless you’re still waiting to receive your SIN or confirmation of SIN letter.
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) should always be kept private. It is illegal for anyone else to use it. Keep in mind the following tips to protect your SIN: