Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada
What the Social Insurance Number is, who needs one, the documents for permanent and temporary residents, how to apply online, in person at Service Canada or by mail, what a SIN starting with 9 means and how to protect your number.
- Applies to
- Everyone who will work in Canada or receive government benefits, including permanent residents and temporary residents with a permit that allows work. Most Canadian citizens already have a SIN from childhood.
- Effort
- Low effort
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes online, or one visit to a Service Canada Centre
- Cost
- Free of charge
- When
- As soon as you arrive and have your immigration document; you need it before you start work
On this page
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada and to receive government benefits and services. Your employer uses it to report your earnings, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses it for your tax returns and benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit. Service Canada, part of Employment and Social Development Canada, issues it. Applying is free.
Before you start
A primary document that proves your status in Canada A secondary identity document if you are an adult
Documents you need
- optional
Permanent residents: PR card, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence used within one year of becoming a permanent resident
- optional
Temporary residents: work permit, study permit that allows work, or visitor record that authorizes work
- optional
Study permit that allows you to work (students)
- required
Valid passport as secondary ID
Step by step
Step 1: Check which primary document you will use
Your primary document proves your identity and status in Canada. It must be valid, clear, complete and in English or French (or come with a translation):
- Canadian citizens: a birth certificate from the province or territory where you were born, or a citizenship certificate.
- Permanent residents: a Permanent Resident Card, or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if you apply within one year of becoming a permanent resident.
- Temporary residents: a work permit, a study permit that allows you to work, or a visitor record that authorizes work, together with your valid foreign passport.
If you have reached the age of majority, you also need a secondary document, such as your passport, a provincial ID card or a driver's licence. If your name differs between documents, bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate.
Step 2: Apply online (recommended)
Service Canada recommends the online application for faster processing. You upload pictures of your documents and receive your SIN electronically once your application is approved. Use a private device and close the browser when you have finished.
Step 3: Or apply in person at a Service Canada Centre
You can also visit a Service Canada Centre in Toronto. You may need to request an appointment with the online service request form first. If all your documents are in order, you usually receive your SIN during the visit.
Step 4: Or apply by mail
Send the application form (NAS2120) and your documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Your original documents are returned by mail, and Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail, so most newcomers prefer the online or in-person options.
Step 5: Give your SIN to your employer
Give your SIN to your employer when you start work, so that your pay and deductions are reported correctly. Keep the SIN confirmation letter in a safe place; Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.
A SIN that starts with 9
Temporary residents receive a SIN that starts with 9 and has an expiry date that matches your immigration document. When you get a new or extended permit, update your SIN record with the new document so that the expiry dates match. If your SIN expires while you are waiting for a new immigration document and you have maintained your status, you may keep working.
When you become a permanent resident, update your SIN record with your new status; you keep the same number but a new one is not issued.
Children
Anyone aged 12 or older can apply for their own SIN, and a parent or legal guardian can apply for a child. For a baby born in Ontario, you can apply for the SIN when you register the birth through Ontario's newborn registration service.
If you cannot get a SIN
If Service Canada cannot issue you a SIN but you need to file a tax return or apply for benefits, the CRA can issue an Individual Tax Number (ITN) or a Temporary Tax Number (TTN) in some cases.
Protecting your SIN
Your SIN is confidential. Only give it when the law requires it, for example to your employer, to the CRA and to banks for accounts that earn interest. Landlords, phone companies and shops do not need it. Do not carry your SIN confirmation with you, and report it to Service Canada if you think someone is using your number.
Watch out
Government agencies do not threaten to cancel or suspend your SIN by phone: calls like this are a common scam.
Working without a valid SIN, or past the expiry date of a SIN starting with 9, can cause problems with your pay and your status.
Common mistakes
Applying with a permit that does not authorize work, or with documents in a language other than English or French without a translation. Forgetting to update a SIN starting with 9 after a permit extension.
Tips
Apply in your first days: you need the number before your first pay day. Bring your passport even if you also have a PR card or permit; adults need a secondary ID.
Frequently asked questions
Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.
Can I apply for a SIN before I arrive in Canada?
You apply with your Canadian immigration document, such as your work permit, study permit, PR card or COPR, which you receive at or after entry. Most newcomers apply in their first days in Canada.
Does my SIN change when I become a permanent resident or citizen?
No. Your number stays the same; you update your record with your new status document.
Official links
In your plan
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Sources
Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Service Canada)Official sourceSocial Insurance Number - Apply
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Online, in person and mail options; documents for citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents; no fee; SINs starting with 9; newborns.
- Canada Revenue AgencyOfficial sourceNewcomers to Canada and the CRA
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026SIN needed for benefits, work and most bank accounts; Temporary Tax Number when a SIN cannot be issued.