Who Needs a SIN
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents require a SIN.
- Children aged 12 or older can apply for their SIN. Parents, guardians, or representatives can apply for those under the age of majority or in their care.
When to apply for a SIN
SIN can be applied to as soon as you land – at the airport
Purposes of a SIN
- Necessary for working in Canada or accessing government benefits and services.
- Can be used as a form of ID to open a bank account, get a sim card
Temporary Residents and SINs
- Keep your SIN record updated if it starts with a “9.”
- If your SIN expires, you can continue working if your immigration status is maintained during processing.
- Apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update your SIN expiry date.
Information for Candidates
- Provide your SIN to your employer for work and accessing government benefits like Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
- Apply for a SIN within 3 days of starting work.
Information for Employers
- Identify employees correctly and ensure they have a valid SIN.
- SIN is crucial for administering government benefits under the Income Tax Act, Canada Pension Plan Act, and Employment Insurance Act.
Application Methods
- In person: Fill out a service request form online.
- By mail: mail your SIN application Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Office PO Box 7000 Bathurst NB E2A 4T1 Canada If you submit your application by mail, we will return your documents by mail once your application is complete. Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
- Online: Submit digital copies of valid and clear documents in English/French.
- Airport: Fill in form at the service Canada Booth at Pearson Airport.
Required Documents for Yourself (Temporary Resident)
- Primary identity document (choose one):
- Work permit, study permit, or visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC.
- Diplomatic identity card with work authorization from Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
- Secondary document (choose one):
- Passport (Canadian/foreign), Canadian ID card, driver’s license, or any Canadian government-issued ID.
- Supporting document (if name differs from SIN application):
- Marriage/divorce certificates, legal change of name document, adoption orders, etc.
Required Documents for a Child
- Primary identity document for parent/guardian (same as above).
- Secondary document for parent/guardian (same as above).
- Legal guardianship document (for guardians only).
- Supporting document (if name differs from SIN application).
- Primary identity document for the child (same as above).
- Supporting document for the child (if name differs from SIN application).
