How To Obtain A Canadian Social Insurance Number

Having a Social Insurance Number is a requirement for all Canadian residents who wish to work in Canada and access various government benefits and services. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Social Insurance Number in Canada.

It is important to provide this number to your employer so that they can effectively manage access to government programs such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Any citizen or resident aged 12 or older in Canada has the option to apply for a SIN. Parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives can apply for a SIN on behalf of children under 12 years old and adults in their care, according to Service Canada.

The SIN is a distinct nine-digit number that is assigned to individuals by Service Canada. It is provided to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents.

Applying for a SIN

To obtain a Social Insurance Number in Canada, individuals have the option to apply online, in person at a Service Canada location, or by mail.

Although application requirements may differ slightly depending on the applicant’s situation. For example, Service Canada has specific document requirements depending on whether the applicant is applying for themselves or on behalf of someone else. In addition, the application requirements will differ depending on the individual’s status in Canada, such as being a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident.

Important Note: Employment and Social Development Canada strongly recommends that TRs and PRs in Canada apply for a SIN within three days of starting work. According to ESDC, individuals can only start working in insurable employment after they have applied.

All submitted documents must adhere to the following criteria in any given situation. They should:

• Ensure that the copies of the documents are accurate and in a digital format.
• Ensure that your writing is clear, easy to read, and includes all necessary information.
• Available in both English and French

Here are the necessary documents you’ll need to apply online for a SIN as a PR or TR in Canada.

Permanent Resident

• Situation: Applying for yourself
• Current status in Canada: Permanent Resident
• Applying: Online

Primary Identity Document – Choose one of the following:

• The PR card is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) provided by IRCC
• Acceptable if used within one year of obtaining permanent residency. Following this period, the PR card becomes necessary.
• The CIC issued the Record of Landing before June 28, 2002.

Secondary Document – Either of the following:

• A passport (Canadian/ foreign)
• A Canadian provincial/ territorial ID card or driving license
• Another form of identification issued by the Canadian government

Note: Please ensure that the secondary document includes the applicant’s full legal name and date of birth.

Supporting Document: This document clarifies that the applicant’s most recent name should be used if there is a difference between the name on either the primary or secondary document mentioned above and the name on the SIN application.

Temporary Resident

• Scenario: Applying for yourself
• Current status in Canada: TR
• Applying: Online

Primary Identity Document – Choose one of the following:

• Work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
• Study permit issued by IRCC/CIC (permit must indicate that the holder is authorized to work in Canada)
• Visitor record issued by IRCC/ CIC (should indicate work authorization in Canada)
• Diplomatic identity card (in addition to a work authorization issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development)

As per IRCC guidelines, individuals with an expired SIN may be permitted to continue working while awaiting their new immigration document, provided they maintain valid status throughout the processing period.

Once IRCC grants authorization for a temporary resident to continue working in Canada, they must promptly apply to Service Canada with the new immigration document to ensure that the expiry date on their SIN record is updated.

It is important for the expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document to be the same.

Supporting Document – Either of the options below

• A passport (Canadian/ Foreign)
• A valid form of identification in Canada is a provincial or territorial ID card or driving license.
• Another form of identification issued by the Canadian government

Note: Please ensure that the secondary document includes the applicant’s full legal name and date of birth.

This legal document requires the applicant to provide their most recent name used if there is a difference between the name on the primary or secondary document above and the name on the SIN application.

Receiving and Updating Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If all the necessary documents are in order, online SIN applicants in Canada can expect their applications to be processed within five business days.

The SIN you obtain as a temporary resident should always be kept up to date. It is important to ensure that the expiry date of your SIN matches the expiry date of the IRCC document that allows you to work in Canada. After ensuring that your SIN record is current, you will receive a SIN with a revised expiration date. Therefore, your previous SIN will no longer be valid.

Forgotten, Lost, Or Stolen SIN

It is crucial to ensure the privacy and protection of your SIN at all times.

Canadian residents who have forgotten their SIN can access this number in a variety of ways, such as:

• When filing an income tax return
• Regarding a record of employment
• Regarding a Registered Retirement Savings Plan contribution

ESDC states that Service Canada will only provide a new SIN if there is evidence of fraudulent use of the original SIN in cases of loss or theft. It is the responsibility of individuals to safeguard their SIN, keep a close eye on their bank accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity, and take necessary measures.

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