SIN (Social Insurance Number) in Canada — how to obtain it

Introduction / Who is it for

SIN (Social Insurance Number) is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada. It is required for legal work in Canada, opening a bank account, and accessing social programs and publicly funded healthcare.

Who can get a SIN

• Canadian Citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• Temporary Workers with a work permit (W)
• Students with a study permit that includes a work condition
• Refugee Claimants

Individuals on a tourist visa (eTA) CANNOT obtain a SIN.

Required documents

For Permanent Residents

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) AND a valid passport, OR
• PR Card

For temporary workers

• Valid Work Permit
• Passport

For students

• Study Permit with a work condition ("May work on or off campus...")
• Passport

Step by step

Option A: Online application (fastest)

1. Go to canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin
2. Select "Apply online"
3. Upload scans of documents (PDF/JPG)
4. You will receive your SIN by mail in 20 days

Option B: Visit Service Canada

1. Find the nearest office: servicecanada.gc.ca
2. Go without an appointment with original documents
3. Fill out the form on-site
4. You will receive your SIN on paper immediately (most offices)

Costs

Obtaining a SIN is FREE. Anyone asking for payment is a scammer.

How long does it take

• Service Canada walk-in: SIN issued on the spot
• Online application: ~20 business days to receive by mail
• Mail application: 4-6 weeks

Is there a SIN card?

Since 2014, Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. You will receive a confirmation letter with your number — this is sufficient proof of your number. Employers should not request a card (although some may ask for it — show the letter).

SIN starting with 9

A SIN starting with the digit 9 indicates temporary status (work permit, study permit). Such a SIN has an expiration date equal to the expiration date of the permit. After renewing the permit, you must renew your SIN — just visit Service Canada with the new permit.

Can I work before receiving my SIN?

Yes — you can start working. The employer is required to apply for a SIN for you within 3 days of starting work or allow you to visit Service Canada immediately. They will note "applied for" in the documents.

SIN Security

• DO NOT carry the letter with your SIN — keep it at home
• DO NOT provide your SIN over the phone, email, or SMS — Service Canada NEVER asks for it this way
• Employers and banks may ask for your SIN, but not stores, service providers, restaurants, etc.
• In case of identity theft, immediately contact the Anti-Fraud Centre

Common mistakes

• Applying before receiving the permit (work/study) — original required
• Showing copies instead of originals at Service Canada — originals are required
• Not updating SIN after extending the permit — SIN loses validity with the permit
• Entering the wrong SIN on T4 tax forms — delays refunds from CRA