The Cost Of Getting A Sin Card In Canada

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a government-issued identifier in Canada. It is required for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, international students, and foreign workers to work or access government services. SINs are issued by the federal employment and social development department, Service Canada, and are provided free of charge. However, there is a fee for replacement cards, which is typically CA$10.

SIN application fees for non-residents

Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is one of the first things to do when arriving in Canada. Both Canadian residents and non-residents need a SIN to work, apply for a Canadian tax refund, or receive government benefits.

There is no fee to apply for a SIN in Canada. However, some third-party services, such as Taxback, charge a flat fee of CA$10 to help with the application process. They will provide you with the completed SIN application form and application instructions.

If you lose your SIN card, Service Canada will not issue a new one unless there is proof that it was used fraudulently. In that case, you will need to apply for a replacement card, which costs CA$10.

It is important to note that a SIN is different from a SIN card. The SIN is a nine-digit number that is required for working in Canada and accessing government benefits. The SIN card was a physical card that was issued in the past but is no longer in use. If you have a plastic SIN card that has not expired, it is still valid, but new SINs are issued in paper format (Confirmation of SIN letter) or digitally through the My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

SIN replacement card fees

Applying for a new Social Insurance Number (SIN) is free of charge. However, if you need a replacement SIN card, there is a fee.

The Social Insurance Number Replacement Card Fees Order, 1988, states that the fee or charge to be paid by the holder of a Social Insurance Number Card for the replacement of that card is CA$10 per card. This fee does not apply if the replacement is made as a result of:

• A legal change in the name of the holder
• An error made by an official of the Government of Canada in the exercise of their duties
• A natural disaster

SIN cards are no longer issued as of 31 March 2014. Instead, individuals receive a paper "Confirmation of SIN" letter.

Applying for a SIN in person

Applying for a SIN in Canada is free of charge and can be done online, in person, or by mail. However, if you are applying through a third-party service, they may charge a flat fee of CA$10. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a SIN in person:

• Gather the required documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents before visiting a Service Canada Centre. The required documents vary depending on your residency status in Canada.
• Fill out the application form: You can find the SIN application form (GC-NAS2120) on the Service Canada website. If you are applying online or at a Service Canada location, you don't need to fill out the application form, but you must carry the applicable documents with you. If a representative is applying on your behalf, they will need to bring a completed and signed application form along with the necessary documents.
• Visit a Service Canada Centre: Bring your original identity documents and application form (if applicable) to a Service Canada Centre near you. There are over 600 Service Canada offices across the country.
• Submit your application: Submit your application form and supporting documents to a Service Canada representative.
• Receive your SIN: If your application and supporting documents are in order, you will receive your SIN immediately. If there are any issues with your application, Service Canada will contact you to resolve them.

Please note that incomplete applications or photocopied identity documents will not be accepted. It is recommended to use a secure mailing service with tracking when submitting your original documents.

Applying for a SIN online

Gather all the required documents. The primary documents that you will need include:

• Birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by IRCC or CIC.
• Permanent Resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), or Record of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC.

• Prepare digital copies of the original documents. Ensure that the copies are clear, legible, and complete, showing the entire document, including borders.
• Translate any documents that are not in English or French.
• Visit the SIN application website and create an account if you don't have one already.
• Fill out the SIN application form. Provide all the required information accurately and truthfully.
• Upload your digital documents securely to the website.
• Submit your SIN application online.
• Wait for your application to be processed. You may be able to view your SIN online once it has been processed by logging into your account.

It is important to note that children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory, you must provide all the required documents. If you cannot provide all the documents, a representative must apply on your behalf.

Applying for a SIN by mail

Applying for a SIN in Canada is crucial for anyone seeking to live and work in the country. It is needed by both Canadian residents and non-residents to work, apply for a tax refund, or receive government benefits.

To apply for a SIN by mail, you must complete the application form and send it to the address provided by Service Canada. This method can take several weeks to process, so it's important to allow sufficient time. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the mail-in option: If you are a temporary resident, you may need to apply by mail or in person. Applying online is usually the quickest and most convenient option, but it is only available for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Gather the required documents: Before starting your application, ensure you have all the necessary documents. The documents needed vary depending on your residency status and method of application. All copies must be digital copies of original documents, valid (not expired), clear, legible, complete, and in English or French.
• Complete the application form: Fill out the paper application form carefully, using a black or blue pen to ensure readability. Double-check all the information before sending it to avoid errors.
• Submit your application: Send your completed application form and photocopies of your documents to the specified address. Using a trackable mailing service is recommended to ensure the safe arrival of your documents.
• Wait for your SIN: Once your application is submitted, it will be processed, and you will receive your SIN. This typically takes several weeks. Service Canada will send you a confirmation letter with your SIN.

It is important to note that if you are applying by mail, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your documents by mail after your application is complete. Service Canada is not responsible for any documents lost in the mail.

Additionally, there is no fee to apply for a SIN. However, if you are applying through a third-party service, they may charge a flat fee of CA$10.

Frequently asked questions