The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is issued by the Canadian government and is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
Who needs a SIN
If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary resident, you need a SIN to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.
Children 12 years of age or older may apply for their SIN. Parents, legal guardians or legal representatives can apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority in their province, and for adults in their care.
SIN for International Students
Ensure your SIN expiry date matches the one on your document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada allowing you to work in Canada.
Your SIN will be valid until your study permit expires. Should you need to renew your study permit to finish your program, you will also need to extend your SIN after receiving your new study permit.
If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.
Once your SIN record is updated, you will receive a SIN with a new expiry date. Your previous SIN (whether in a paper format or a plastic card) is no longer valid. Destroy it.
SIN When You Work
You will need to provide your SIN to your employer as it is necessary to work in Canada and to access some government programs and benefits such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Apply for your SIN within 3 days after you begin work. Once you apply, you can begin working in insurable employment.
How to Apply for Your SIN
Three are three ways to apply to SIN:
- online
- by mail
- in person at a Service Canada office.
You need to be in Canada in order to apply for this number.
To apply, you will need to provide copies of several documents, including:
- A study permit that indicates that you are authorized to work on and off campus. If this remark is not on your study permit (SP) or if the SP indicates that you are not authorized to work, you will not be able to obtain a SIN.
- Passport
If you are a graduate and or a student renewing your study permit, you must request a SIN extension as soon as you receive your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or new SP.
In both cases, the number will remain the same, and you will be allowed to maintain work or start a new job while waiting to extend your SIN.
If your SIN expires before you receive your document and are employed or soon-to-be employed, you may want to direct your employer to the Government of Canada’s explanation of “implied status”.
IMPORTANT
You MUST keep your SIN confidential and reveal only when necessary, for example, to an employer.
There are a number of scams involving SIN, and scammers want to get your SIN to use your name for fraudulent purposes.