Getting A Sin In Canada: The Ultimate Guide

how to get a sin canada

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work, get paid, and access government benefits and programs in Canada. All Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents need a SIN. International students and temporary foreign workers receive a temporary SIN, which starts with the number nine and expires when their work or study permit does.

SIN applications can be made online, in-person, or by mail. The documents required vary depending on the applicant's status in Canada, but all must be valid, legible, and in English or French. There is no fee for applying for a SIN.

Characteristics Values
Required documents Primary identity document (birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship, permanent resident card, etc.), secondary identity document (passport, driver's license, etc.), proof of address, and supporting documents (if the name on the primary and/or secondary document is different from the application)
Application methods Online, in-person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail
Application processing time Online applications may take up to 5 business days, mail applications may take up to 20 business days, and in-person applications are typically processed during the visit
Application fee None
Purpose Required for working in Canada, filing income tax, and accessing government benefits and services
Confidentiality Should not be used as identification and should only be shared when legally required

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How to apply for a SIN in Canada

Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) should be a top priority when you arrive in Canada, as you'll need one to work, file income tax, or access government benefits and services. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a SIN in Canada:

Determine Your Eligibility:

First, ensure that you are eligible to apply for a SIN. All Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents aged 12 or older can apply for a SIN. International students also need a SIN if they plan to work part-time while studying, provided their study permit specifically allows this.

Gather Required Documents:

The documents needed for your SIN application will depend on your status in Canada. All documents must be valid, clear, legible, and in English or French. If your documents are in another language, you must also submit a translation in English or French, along with an affidavit or attestation signed by the translator.

For permanent residents, you'll need one primary identity document, such as a Canadian Permanent Resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), or a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002.

For temporary residents, such as Temporary Foreign Workers or international students, you'll need one primary identity document, like a valid Canadian work or study permit, or a visitor record authorizing you to work in Canada.

Choose Your Application Method:

You can apply for your SIN online, in-person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. Each method has its own requirements and processing times.

Submit Your Application:

If applying online, go to the Government of Canada website and select the "First Social Insurance Number" option. Upload digital copies of your documents, and you should receive your SIN by mail within 15 days.

For in-person applications, book an appointment at any Service Canada Centre and bring your original documents. You'll receive your SIN during your visit.

For mail applications, fill out and print the SIN application form, and mail it along with your original documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office. You should receive your SIN by mail within 20-25 days.

Protect Your SIN:

Your SIN is confidential and should be kept secure. Do not carry it with you, and only share it when legally required, such as with your employer, financial institution, or the government for tax purposes.

Additionally, be cautious of scams and fraud. Do not share your SIN over the phone unless you've initiated the call to a government agency, and never respond to emails asking for your SIN or personal information.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for and protect your SIN in Canada.

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What documents are required for a SIN application

The documents required for a SIN application depend on your status in Canada. All documents must be valid, legible, and in English or French. If your documents are in another language, you must also submit a translation in English or French, along with an affidavit or attestation signed by the translator.

Applying for a SIN as a new permanent resident

As a new permanent resident, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • One primary identity document: This could be your Canadian Permanent Resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), or Record of Landing (if issued before June 28, 2002).
  • One secondary identity document: This must include your full legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include your foreign passport, Canadian driver's license, or any other ID issued by the Canadian government.
  • Proof of address: If you apply online, you will need to provide a document confirming the address listed in your application. This can be a document or attestation letter from the government, a company, an institution, or your landlord or employer.
  • A supporting document: If the name on your primary and/or secondary document is different from that on your SIN application, you will need a legal document stating your most recently used legal name.

Applying for a SIN as a temporary resident

As a temporary resident, such as a Temporary Foreign Worker or international student, you will need to provide the following:

  • One primary identity document: This could be a valid Canadian work permit, a valid Canadian study permit that allows you to work, a valid visitor record that authorises you to work, or a diplomatic identity card with work authorisation.
  • One secondary identity document: The same documents are accepted as for permanent residents.
  • Proof of address and supporting documents: The same documents are accepted as for permanent residents.

Applying for a SIN for children

If your child is born in Canada, you can apply for their SIN when you register their birth through the provincial Newborn Registration Service. If your child is a minor or dependent, and you are moving to Canada with your family, you must provide your own primary and secondary identity documents, proof of address, and a primary identity document for your child.

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SIN application processing times

The processing time for your SIN application depends on the method of application. If you apply online, the Government of Canada website states that you will typically receive your SIN by mail within 15 days. However, another source mentions that online applications may take up to 5 business days to process. Once processed, the SIN is visible on the applicant's My Service Canada Account almost immediately.

If you apply in person at a Service Canada Centre, you will receive your SIN at the location during your visit. For those who apply by mail, they should expect to receive their SIN within 20 to 25 days of their application.

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How to protect your SIN

Protecting your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is crucial to safeguarding your privacy and preventing fraud and identity theft. Here are some detailed instructions to help you protect your SIN:

Keep Your SIN in a Safe Place

Don't carry your SIN with you in public, and don't keep it in your wallet or bag. Store your SIN confirmation letter, card, and any documents containing your SIN in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or security safe.

Dispose of Documents Securely

When disposing of documents that contain your personal information, including your SIN, make sure to shred them properly. Do not recycle or throw them away without shredding first.

Be Vigilant and Recognize Scams

Be cautious of phone calls, emails, or text messages claiming that your SIN is compromised, offering to replace it, or making threats. Never provide your SIN over the phone unless you have initiated the call to a government agency that requires it, such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Only Share Your SIN When Legally Required

Your SIN is confidential. Do not use it as identification when applying for jobs, rental properties, or other situations where it is not necessary. Ask why your SIN is needed and if there is an alternative form of identification you can provide.

Update Your SIN Record

Keep your SIN information up to date. If your legal name, citizenship status, or status validity changes, make sure to update your SIN record accordingly.

Take Immediate Action if You Suspect Fraud

If you suspect that your SIN has been compromised or is being used fraudulently, act quickly. File a police report, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and inform Service Canada. You should also contact Canada's major credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, to alert them of the potential fraud and add a fraud warning to your credit file.

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When to apply for a SIN

As a newcomer to Canada, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) should be a top priority. You will need a SIN to work in Canada, file income tax, and access government benefits and services.

International students require a SIN if they plan to work part-time while studying, provided their study permit specifically allows this. It is recommended that you apply for a SIN as soon as possible after arriving in Canada. If you have 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 organisation.

If you are an international student, you can only get your SIN after you have arrived in Canada and received your study permit at the airport or border crossing.

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need to provide certain documents for your application.

If you are outside of Canada and have a study or work permit, you can apply online for a new or extended SIN or a confirmation of your SIN, even if you do not have a Canadian mailing address.

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Frequently asked questions

You can apply for a SIN online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. You will need to provide certain documents depending on your status in Canada. All documents must be valid, legible, and in English or French.

The documents required for a SIN application depend on your status in Canada. Generally, you will need to provide a primary identity document, such as a birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and a secondary identity document, such as a passport or driver's license. If your name has changed, you will need a legal document with your new name.

If you apply in person, you will receive your SIN immediately. For online applications, processing times may vary, but you should receive your SIN by mail within 15-20 days. Mail applications may take up to 20 business days.

Yes, international students can get a SIN in Canada, but their study permit must indicate that they are eligible to work in Canada. International students receive a SIN starting with the number "9", indicating their temporary resident status.

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