How to Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card

As a newcomer to Canada, you are already thinking about finding a job, paying taxes, accessing services, receiving benefits, and having access to various government and public programs. A key condition to access these services and benefits is a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Thus, obtaining a social insurance number is a priority as you arrive in Canada. This article will help you understand the importance of the Social Insurance Number, how do you get one and what can you use it for.

What is a Social Insurance Number?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique 9-digit number which is your visa to start work, get paid in Canada, file your taxes, receive benefits, and have access to public and government programs. Your SIN is your unique social identification number and by law, no one can use someone else SIN. Thus, it is your property alone and it is your responsibility to protect your unique SIN and store any document with your SIN and personal information in a safe place. Previously, plastic SIN cards were issued for each person with a SIN, but currently, Service Canada is issuing SIN in a paper format instead. For more information on protecting your social insurance number and advice on how and when to use the SIN, please visit the following guide.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a SIN?

If you are living in Canada and you want to apply for a job, start your own work, receive public benefits, or have access to services from government programs, then you will need a Social Insurance Number. The following can apply for a SIN:

• A Canadian citizen

• A permanent resident 

• A temporary resident

Regarding children, if the child is 12 years of age or older then he/she may apply for his/her own SIN. Parents with legal child custody can apply for a SIN on behalf of their children as well. If you had a new baby, then as a parent you are eligible to apply for your child’s SIN through the Newborn Registration Service.

How to Apply for a Social Insurance Number?

You can apply for a Canadian Social Insurance Number either in-person, online, or by mail. The online application mode was introduced recently in 2020 as a response to the temporary closure of Service Canada offices due to COVID-19. Below are the requirements and documents needed depending on your chosen mode of application.

1. Applying In Person

As part of the in-person application for a Social Insurance Number, you need to provide the following documents: 

• A valid original primary document proving your identity and legal status in Canada. 

• A valid original secondary document to confirm your identity. 

• If the name on any of the documents submitted is different from the name on the SIN application, then an original valid supporting document is needed.

If you are applying in person, the SIN will normally be given to you during your visit to the physical office in the form of a printed paper sheet called ‘Confirmation of SIN letter’.

2. Applying By Mail

If you are applying for the Social Insurance Number by mail, you must then provide the following documents:

• An original valid primary identity document

• A completed and signed Social Insurance Number application form. 

• An original valid supporting document

The completed application form and original documents need to be sent to:

Service Canada

Social Insurance Registration Office

PO Box 7000

Bathurst NB  E2A 4T1

In the case of an application submitted by mail, you should expect to receive your SIN Number within 20 days from the receipt of your application.

3. Applying Online

The option of applying for a Social Insurance Number online was introduced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. In case you choose to apply online, then you need to ensure that the digital copies of all your documents are clear and legible. If you are applying online, then you would need to provide the following documents:

• A digital copy of an original valid primary document. Both sides need to be provided if they contain information. 

• A digital copy of an original valid secondary document

• A digital copy of proof of your address

• A digital copy of an original valid supporting document if your name on one of the provided documents is different than the name you are using on your SIN application.

A list of documents regarded as Primary Documents, Secondary Documents and Supporting Documents is provided here. 

Be aware that if you are a parent applying on behalf of your child, or you are a legal representative applying on behalf of someone else, then there are additional requirements and documents to be submitted as listed here.  

For more information on the Social Insurance Number and the application process, please contact the Social Insurance Number Program.