As a newcomer, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) should be one of the top priorities on your to-do list when you arrive in Canada. Whether you’re a temporary or permanent resident , you’ll need a SIN to work in Canada and access government benefits and services.
Newcomers are often unaware of situations in which it is unsafe to share your SIN. In this article, we share information on how to apply for a SIN and protect it, so you can avoid unnecessary financial risks in Canada.
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A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work in Canada, file income tax , or access government benefits and programs. Your SIN is unique and can be used as an identifier by government agencies.
All Canadian citizens , permanent residents (PR), and temporary residents require a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada or receive services and benefits from government programs.
If you’re in Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW), you’ll receive a temporary SIN. Your SIN will start with the number nine and have an expiry date that matches the expiry of your work permit .
International students also require a SIN if they intend to work part-time while studying , provided their study permit specifically allows this.
| Tip: You’ll need to share your SIN with your Canadian employer when they hire you. Be sure to apply for a SIN well before starting a new job to avoid delays in the onboarding process. |
You can apply for a SIN using one of three options: online, in-person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail.
Children aged 12 and above can apply for a SIN on their own. If your child is under the age of majority in your province, you can apply for a SIN on their behalf if you are their parent, legal guardian, or legal representative.
You can apply for a SIN online through the Government of Canada website. Newcomers to Canada must select the “First Social Insurance Number” option from the drop-down menu and fill out the form. You’ll need to upload digital copies of your original documents and will typically receive your SIN by mail within 15 days.
You can book an appointment at any Service Canada Centre to apply for your SIN in person. You’ll need to bring your original documents and will receive your SIN at the location.
You can fill out and print a copy of the SIN application form and mail it along with your original documents to the following address:
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Photocopies of your documents will not be accepted. You’ll receive your SIN by mail, along with your original documents, within 25 days of your application.
You do not need to pay any fees while applying for a Social Insurance Number in Canada.
The documents needed for your SIN application depend on your status in Canada. All the documents you provide must be valid, legible, and in English or French.
| Note: If your documents are in a different language, you must also submit an English or French translation of the documents, along with an affidavit or attestation signed by the translator. |
To apply for a SIN as a permanent resident, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
One primary identity document from the following list:
One secondary identity document. Your secondary identity document must include your full legal name and date of birth. You can use one of the following:
You don’t require a secondary ID document if you apply by mail.
| Note: You cannot use the same document as both primary and secondary identity proof. |
Proof of address: If you apply for your SIN online, you’ll need to provide a document that confirms the address you list in your SIN application. You can use a document or attestation letter signed by a government, company, institution, or by your landlord or employer.
You don’t need to submit proof of address if you apply for your SIN by mail or in-person at a Service Canada centre.
| Tip: As a newcomer, you can provide address proof for your temporary accommodation. If you apply by mail, you can also request that your SIN be mailed to a different address other than your own. |
A supporting document, if needed: If the name on your primary and/or secondary document is different from the one on your SIN application, you’ll require a legal document stating your most recently used legal name.
To apply for a SIN as a temporary resident, such as a Temporary Foreign Worker or international student, you’ll need to provide the following:
One primary identity document from the following list:
The secondary identity, proof of address, and supporting document requirements are the same as for permanent residents. Refer to the above section for the full list.
Note that if you transition from a temporary resident status to a permanent resident status, you’ll need to apply for a new SIN, which will not begin with the number nine. You will then use the new SIN to file for taxes, payroll purposes, and more.
If your child is born in Canada , you can apply for a SIN on their behalf when you register their birth through your provincial Newborn Registration Service.
If you’re moving to Canada with your family and your child is a minor or dependent, you can apply for a SIN on their behalf. To do so, you must provide your own primary and secondary identity documents and proof of address (see the sections above on applying for a SIN as a permanent resident or temporary resident), as well as a primary identity document for your child.
| Starting your job search in Canada? Download our guide on finding your career in Canada for tips and resources on how to craft an impressive resume , look for jobs, and prepare for interviews. |
When you land your first job as a newcomer in Canada, you’ll need to share your SIN with your employer. Your employer will require your SIN to make payroll deductions and remit income tax and contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) on your behalf.
Ideally, you should apply for your SIN as soon as possible after arriving in Canada. If you received a job offer before your arrival and plan to start working soon after landing in Canada, you must apply for a SIN within three days of joining the organization. Once you apply, you can share the confirmation number with your employer and start working while you wait to receive your SIN.
You are responsible for keeping the information linked to your SIN up-to-date. To update your information, you must submit an application to make changes to your SIN record, along with the required documents. Like in the case of your original SIN application, you can do this online , in person, or by mail.
You should update your SIN record if:
You don’t need to revise your SIN record if your address has changed unless you’re still waiting to receive your SIN or confirmation of SIN letter.
Your SIN is a confidential document and you should only share it with the following:
Even if you’re asked for it, you’re not legally required to share your SIN while applying for jobs (before you receive an offer), rental accommodation , university or college, or for credit products , such as loans, credit cards, lines of credit, or mortgages .
Your Social Insurance Number is a confidential document and you should keep the following tips in mind to protect your SIN:
Sharing your SIN intentionally or unintentionally with unauthorized parties can have severe consequences. Unauthorized access to your SIN is an invasion of your privacy and your SIN may be used without your knowledge, potentially resulting in:
If you suspect that your SIN has been used fraudulently, follow these steps to report the fraud:
If you forgot your SIN, you can find it listed on your tax slips, income tax return, or record of employment. In case you don’t have access to these documents, you can submit an application to get a confirmation of your SIN.
If your SIN was lost or stolen, Service Canada will only issue a new one if there’s proof that your SIN was fraudulently used.
Whether you’re coming to Canada as a permanent resident, temporary foreign worker, or international student, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number to work here or apply for government benefits. As a newcomer, you should apply for a SIN as soon as possible and keep your personal information linked to it updated. Remember, your SIN is private and it is your responsibility to protect it, so you should only share it with others if it’s legally required.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.