All Canadian residents need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and receive most government benefits and services. This essential number must be provided to your employer to access important government programs such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Who Can Apply for a SIN?
In Canada, any citizen or resident aged 12 or older may apply for a SIN. For children under 12 and adults in the care of others, parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives can apply on their behalf through Service Canada.
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Each SIN is a unique nine-digit number issued by Service Canada to every citizen, permanent resident (PR), and temporary resident (TR).
Applying for a SIN
You can apply for a SIN online, in person at a Service Canada location, or by mail. The application requirements vary based on the applicant’s situation and status in Canada (citizen, PR, or TR). Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) advises TRs and PRs to apply for a SIN within three days of starting work. According to ESDC, you can “begin working in insurable employment” only once you apply for a SIN.
General Document Requirements:
- Valid, digital copies of original documents
- Clear, legible, and complete (including borders)
- In English or French (see translation requirements for other languages)
Permanent Resident (PR) Application
Scenario: Applying for Yourself
Status in Canada: PR
Applying: Online
Primary Identity Document (one of the following):
- PR card issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC (acceptable within one year of becoming a PR)
- Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002
Secondary Document (one of the following):
- A passport (Canadian or foreign)
- A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- Any other Canadian government-issued ID
Supporting Document: A legal document stating the applicant’s most recent name if different from the name on the primary or secondary document.
Temporary Resident (TR) Application
Scenario: Applying for Yourself
Status in Canada: TR
Applying: Online
Primary Identity Document (one of the following):
- Work permit issued by IRCC
- Study permit issued by IRCC (with work authorization)
- Visitor record issued by IRCC (with work authorization)
- Diplomatic identity card (with work authorization from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development)
Secondary Document (one of the following):
- A passport (Canadian or foreign)
- A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- Any other Canadian government-issued ID
Supporting Document: A legal document stating the applicant’s most recent name if different from the name on the primary or secondary document.
Receiving and Updating Your SIN
According to ESDC, online SIN applications are processed within five business days if all documents are in order. Temporary residents receiving a SIN beginning with a 9 must ensure their SIN expiry date matches the expiry date of their IRCC document. Upon updating, you will receive a SIN with a new expiry date, and the previous SIN will become invalid.
For more details on receiving and updating your SIN, visit the Government of Canada webpage.
Forgotten, Lost, or Stolen SIN
Your SIN should be kept private and protected at all times. If you forget your SIN, you can find it on an income tax return, record of employment, or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution. For lost or stolen SINs, Service Canada issues a new SIN only with proof of fraudulent use. It’s crucial to monitor your bank accounts and take appropriate actions if necessary.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Contact Skynet Immigration for personalized assistance and expert guidance on your Canadian immigration journey. Our experienced team, led by RCIC Salekur Rahman, is here to support you every step of the way.
