Social Insurance Number (SIN)

What is a Social Insurance Number?

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that is required to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. This number is obtained after receiving the work permit. Individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents have SINs that begin by the number “9”.

These temporary SINs usually have an expiration date that corresponds to the expiration date indicated on an individual’s immigration documents. If these immigration documents have no expiration date, the SIN will be valid for two years. Individuals with this type of SIN can exchange it for a new number if they become permanent residents. You do not need to pay a fee for a SIN.

How do i apply, update or renew my SIN ?

There are 3 ways:

Online

Social Insurance Number Application (SIN) - Government of Canada

In person

You must present yourself, in person, at a Service Canada Office. You must bring with you all the required supporting documents. 

To request an appointment, please use the online service request form.

To find the office nearest you, visit: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-hme.jsp?lang=eng

If everything is in order, you will get your SIN during your visit.

By mail

You must mail your application form along with the required supporting documents. 

Note: If you;re applying by mail, don’t forget to send the documents via registered mail https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGregister-e.asp at a Canada Post office.

Mail your SIN application to:

Service Canada

Social Insurance Registration Office

PO Box 7000

Bathurst NB E2A 4T1

Canada

You can download the application form here: https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/content/EForms/en/Detail.html?Form=NAS2120

Note: In most cases, you need to send the original copies (photocopies not accepted, unless you apply online) of your work permit, a government-issued ID (for example, your Brown Paper) and proof of address (for example, your lease or a letter from a government office).  If any document is in another language than English or French, it must be translated to one of the official languages in Canada.

For information in French on SINs: 1 800 808-6352 (toll-free) 

For further information in English on SINs: 1 800 206-7218 (toll-free)

What if I lost my SIN letter and/ or forgot my number? 

If your confirmation of Social Insurance Number letter or SIN card was lost or stolen, Service Canada will not issue a new SIN. If you don't remember your SIN, you can find it on your income tax return or you can request a confirmation of your SIN from Service Canada. Service Canada may issue a new SIN only if there is proof that the SIN was used fraudulently.

Read more options on how to find your SIN number in the following link:  Social Insurance Number – Overview - Canada.ca

What if I move? 

You do not need to notify Service Canada about a change of address unless you are waiting to receive a confirmation of a SIN letter.

For more information on SIN applications, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html