How to apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada as a permanent or temporary resident
Newcomers to Canada can apply for a Social Insurance Number through Service Canada online, by mail or in person. Learn which immigration documents permanent and temporary residents need, how much it costs and how long a SIN application takes.
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If you are a newcomer who is legally entitled to work in Canada, you can apply for a Social Insurance Number through Service Canada online, by mail or in person. Permanent residents can normally use a Permanent Resident Card or an eligible Confirmation of Permanent Residence as their primary identity document. Temporary residents must provide a qualifying work permit, study permit that states they may work or accept employment, visitor record authorizing work, or another accepted authorization. You also need an accepted secondary identity document. There is no fee. If your documents and application are in order, online applications are generally processed within 5 business days, mail applications within about 20 business days, and an in-person applicant can normally receive the SIN during the Service Canada visit.
What you need
- A primary identity document proving your identity and legal status in Canada.
- A valid secondary identity document showing your full legal name and date of birth, such as a Canadian or foreign passport, a Canadian provincial or territorial driver's licence or identification card, or another Canadian government-issued identification document.
- For permanent residents: an accepted document such as a Permanent Resident Card, an eligible Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002.
- For temporary residents: an accepted immigration document authorizing work, such as a work permit, a study permit stating that the holder may work or may accept employment in Canada, or a visitor record showing authorization to work in Canada.
- Supporting legal documents if your current legal name differs from the name on your primary identity document.
- If documents are not in English or French, the original document and an acceptable English or French translation meeting Service Canada requirements.
- For an online application, clear and complete digital copies of the original documents, including the entire document and borders.
- For applications by mail or in person, original documents are required according to Service Canada submission rules.
Eligibility
A Social Insurance Number is required to work in Canada and is also used to access certain government programs and benefits. A newcomer can apply when their status and documents establish the required legal entitlement. Permanent residents receive a permanent SIN that does not expire. Temporary residents who are legally authorized to work receive a SIN beginning with 9; its expiry date is linked to the expiry date of the immigration document authorizing their stay or work. Temporary residents must update their SIN record when they receive a new immigration document with a new expiry date or when their immigration status changes. Anyone aged 12 or older can apply for their own SIN. A parent or legal guardian may apply for a child who is under the age of majority in the applicable province or territory.
How to do it
- Confirm that your immigration document is acceptable. Permanent residents should check that they have an accepted permanent resident document. Temporary residents must have an immigration document that authorizes them to work in Canada.
- Prepare your primary identity document. Permanent residents may use an accepted Permanent Resident Card, eligible Confirmation of Permanent Residence or another document listed by Service Canada. Temporary residents can use an eligible work permit, qualifying study permit, visitor record authorizing work or another accepted authorization.
- Prepare a secondary identity document. It must be valid and show your full legal name and date of birth. Examples include a Canadian or foreign passport, Canadian driver's licence, provincial or territorial identification card or another Canadian government-issued ID.
- Prepare name-change or translation documents if required. If your legal name has changed, provide documents connecting your former and current legal names. Documents that are not in English or French require an acceptable translation in accordance with Service Canada rules.
- Choose how to apply. You can apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada location.
- Apply online for the fastest remote option. Upload clear digital copies of the required original documents. The entire document, including its borders and both sides where applicable, must be visible.
- Alternatively, apply by mail. Complete the required SIN application and send it with the required original documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1, Canada. Service Canada returns documents by mail after processing.
- Alternatively, apply in person. Bring the required original documents to a Service Canada location. If the application and documents are in order, you normally receive the SIN during the visit and do not have to leave your identity documents with Service Canada.
- Receive and protect your SIN. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. Keep your SIN confidential and provide it only when legally required or when there is a legitimate reason to do so.
- Update your SIN when your temporary status changes. If your SIN begins with 9, update the SIN record after receiving a new immigration document with a different expiry date or when you become a permanent resident.
How newcomers can get a Social Insurance Number in Canada
A Social Insurance Number, commonly called a SIN, is a nine-digit number used for employment, taxation and access to certain government programs and benefits in Canada. New permanent residents and temporary residents who are authorized to work can apply through Service Canada.
You can submit a SIN application online, by mail or in person. There is no application fee. The documents you need depend primarily on whether you are a permanent resident or a temporary resident.
SIN documents for permanent residents
A permanent resident applying for a SIN must provide an accepted primary identity document. Service Canada lists the Permanent Resident Card and Confirmation of Permanent Residence among the main accepted documents. A Confirmation of Permanent Residence is acceptable for a first SIN application when it is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that period, a Permanent Resident Card is required for this purpose.
A Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002 may also be accepted. Verification of Landing and Status Verification documents have more limited uses and are accepted for changes to an existing SIN record or confirmation of an existing SIN rather than as general substitutes for a first-time application.
SIN documents for temporary residents
Temporary residents must prove that they are authorized to work in Canada. Accepted primary documents include a work permit, a study permit stating that the holder may accept employment or may work in Canada, or a visitor record specifically showing authorization to work in Canada. Certain diplomatic identity and work authorization documents are also accepted.
If a study permit or visitor record does not contain the required work authorization, Service Canada directs applicants to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to determine whether the immigration document needs to be amended.
Why temporary resident SINs start with 9
SINs issued to temporary residents begin with 9. The SIN record expires on the same date as the immigration document supporting the person's authorization. When a temporary resident receives a new permit with a new expiry date, they must update the SIN record with Service Canada. A person who later becomes a permanent resident must also update their status with the SIN program.
Secondary identification required for a SIN
In addition to the primary identity document, an adult applicant must provide an accepted secondary identity document. It must be valid and display the applicant's legal name and date of birth. Service Canada accepts documents such as a Canadian or foreign passport, a Canadian provincial or territorial driver's licence or identification card, or another Canadian government-issued identification document.
What if your name is different on your documents
If your current legal name does not match the name shown on your primary identity document, you must provide a legal document linking the names. Examples can include certain marriage certificates, divorce documents, legal name-change certificates, court orders and other documents accepted by Service Canada. If you have changed your name more than once, documentation must establish the complete link from the original name to the current legal name.
What if your documents are not in English or French
Documents submitted for a SIN application must be in English or French. If an original document is in another language, Service Canada requires the original document and an English or French translation. Family members cannot translate the documents. Service Canada specifies requirements for translations prepared by Canadian certified translators and for translations prepared by non-certified translators, including affidavit requirements where applicable.
How to apply for a SIN online
Applying online is the easiest and generally fastest remote application method. You must upload clear digital copies of the required original documents. The complete document must be visible, including its borders, and both sides should be provided where applicable.
If everything is in order, Service Canada states that online SIN applications are generally processed within 5 business days. After an online application has been processed, eligible users can view their SIN through My Service Canada Account.
How to apply for a SIN by mail
You can also apply by mail. The completed application and required original documents are mailed to Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1, Canada.
Service Canada returns the original documents by mail after the application is completed and states that it is not responsible for documents lost in the mail. Mail applications generally take about 20 business days when the application and documents are in order.
How to apply for a SIN in person
You may apply at a Service Canada location with your required original documents. If everything is in order, Service Canada states that you will receive your SIN during the visit and will not need to leave your identity documents behind.
You can check Service Canada locations before visiting and may request an appointment through the government's service request system where appropriate.
How much does a SIN application cost
There is no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number through Service Canada. This applies whether you are requesting a first SIN or using the SIN application process for an eligible update or confirmation.
How long does it take to get a SIN
For a complete online application, Service Canada generally processes the request within 5 business days. A mail application generally takes about 20 business days. If you apply in person and all required documents are acceptable, you normally receive the SIN during your Service Canada visit.
What happens after you receive your SIN
Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. Your SIN is confidential personal information and should be protected carefully. If you are a temporary resident, make sure the expiry information on your SIN record remains aligned with your valid immigration authorization and update the record after receiving a new immigration document.
Common problems when applying for a newcomer SIN
Your study permit does not say you can work
A study permit used for a SIN application must indicate that the holder may accept employment or may work in Canada. If the required wording is missing, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to determine whether you are eligible for an amended permit.
Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence is more than one year old
Service Canada states that a Confirmation of Permanent Residence may be used within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that period, a Permanent Resident Card is required for this purpose.
You made a mistake in an online application
If you made an error or forgot a document after submitting the application, Service Canada states that you cannot return to edit that application. You must submit a new application and include all required documents again.
Frequently asked questions
Can a newcomer apply for a SIN online in Canada?
Yes. Permanent residents and eligible temporary residents can apply for a Social Insurance Number online through Service Canada. You must upload clear digital copies of the required original identity and immigration documents.
How much does it cost to apply for a SIN in Canada?
There is no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number through Service Canada.
How long does an online SIN application take?
If the application and documents are in order, Service Canada generally processes an online SIN application within 5 business days.
Can I get a SIN immediately at Service Canada?
If you apply in person and your application and documents are in order, Service Canada states that you will receive your SIN during the visit.
Can a permanent resident apply for a SIN without a PR card?
A new permanent resident may use an eligible Confirmation of Permanent Residence within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that period, Service Canada requires the Permanent Resident Card for this purpose.
What documents does a temporary resident need for a SIN?
A temporary resident needs an accepted primary immigration document authorizing work, such as a work permit, a study permit stating that the holder may work or may accept employment in Canada, or a visitor record showing authorization to work. An accepted secondary identity document is also required.
Can an international student get a SIN in Canada?
Yes, if the student's immigration status authorizes work. For a study permit to be used as the primary SIN document, it must indicate that the permit holder may accept employment or may work in Canada.
Why does my temporary resident SIN start with 9?
Service Canada issues SINs beginning with 9 to temporary residents. The SIN expiry date is linked to the expiry date of the immigration document supporting the person's temporary status and authorization.
Do I need to update my SIN when my work permit is extended?
Yes. After receiving a new immigration document with a new expiry date, a temporary resident should apply to Service Canada to update the expiry date on the SIN record.
Does Canada still issue plastic SIN cards?
No. Service Canada no longer issues plastic Social Insurance Number cards.
Can I apply for a SIN by mail?
Yes. Service Canada accepts SIN applications by mail. The application and required original documents can be sent to the Social Insurance Registration Office in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Mail processing is generally about 20 business days when everything is in order.
Do documents for a SIN application have to be in English or French?
Yes. If an original document is in another language, you must provide the original and an acceptable translation into English or French that meets Service Canada's translation requirements.