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The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used for income reporting and identification purposes in Canada. It is required for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who want to work or access government programs and benefits. SIN cards are highly confidential and should be protected to prevent fraud and identity theft. While it is not illegal for private companies to request an individual's SIN, it is discouraged and not required. Individuals should only provide their SIN when it is legally necessary.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Identification by government agencies
Use cases Paying taxes, accessing government programs and benefits, employment
Application methods Online, in person, by mail
Application requirements Primary document proving identity and status in Canada, secondary document verifying identity, proof of address
Application processing time Immediate for in-person applications, 10 business days for online applications, 20 days for mail applications
Format Paper format (Confirmation of SIN letter), plastic card (no longer issued)
Protection Store in a safe place, shred documents containing SIN, provide only when legally required

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Apply for a SIN card for the first time

Applying for a SIN card for the first time is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a SIN card. You must be a citizen, permanent resident, international student, or foreign worker intending to work or access government services in Canada.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a SIN card, you will need to provide certain documents as proof of your identity. The specific documents required depend on your residency status in Canada. Here are the possible combinations of documents you may need:

  • By Birth: Birth certificate issued by the province or territory where you were born.
  • By Naturalization: Certificate of Canadian citizenship or registration of birth abroad issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • By Indigenous Origin: Birth certificate and Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).
  • Canadian Permanent Residents: Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if issued within one year of becoming a permanent resident, or a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002.
  • Temporary Residents: Work permit, diplomatic identity card with work authorization, study permit (if eligible to work), or visitor record (if authorized to work).
  • Non-Residents: Birth certificate from the place of birth and confirmation of eligibility for pension or benefits from the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, or Régie des rentes du Québec.

In addition to the primary identity documents, you may also need supporting documents if there are discrepancies in names. This includes marriage certificates, divorce decrees, legal name change certificates, adoption orders, or requests to amend records.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Method

You can apply for your SIN card in three ways: online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own requirements:

  • Online Application: You will need to upload clear and legible digital copies of the required documents. Visit the Service Canada website to initiate the application process.
  • Mail Application: Send your original documents for verification to the Social Insurance Registration Office. Find the mailing address on the Service Canada website.
  • In-Person Application: Visit one of the 600+ Service Canada offices with your original identity documents. You will receive your SIN immediately if your paperwork is in order.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

When submitting your application, ensure that your documents are in order and meet the requirements. Incomplete applications or photocopied documents will not be accepted. If you're mailing your application, consider using a secure mailing service with tracking to safeguard your documents.

After submitting your application, you will receive your SIN within a specified timeframe, depending on your application method. If you don't hear back within the expected timeframe, follow up with the Service Canada office to check the status of your application.

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Obtain a confirmation of your SIN

If you need to obtain a confirmation of your SIN, you can do so by submitting an application. This can be done online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. If you are submitting your application by mail, you will need to include all the required documents, as outlined below, and send it to the following address:

Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Office

PO Box 7000

Bathurst NB E2A 4T1

Canada

Service Canada will return your documents by mail once your application is complete, but they are not responsible for documents lost in the mail.

To obtain a confirmation of your SIN, you will need to submit a SIN application and provide all the required documents. All documents must be digital copies of original documents and must be clear, legible, and complete. They must also be in English or French. If your documents are in another language, you will need to refer to the translation requirements.

The required documents are as follows:

  • Primary identity document: This can be your birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of your birth, a certificate of Canadian citizenship, or a permanent resident card.
  • Secondary document: An official document that confirms your identity, such as a provincial or territorial ID card, driver's license, or passport.
  • Proof of address: A document that proves you live at the address provided on your application, such as an official letter from the government, company, employer, or institution. This letter must include your full name, which must match the name on your primary or secondary document.

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Correct an error on a SIN record

To correct an error on a SIN record, you must submit a SIN application along with all the required documents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

  • Gather the required documents: All documents must be digital copies of original documents and must be clear, legible, and complete, showing the entire document, including borders. The documents must be in English or French. If your document is in another language, you will need to meet additional translation requirements.
  • Provide a primary identity document: You must provide one of the following documents: a birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in your province or territory of birth; a certificate of Canadian citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC; or a certificate of registration of birth abroad issued by CIC before 1977. Most original birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN, but some may no longer be considered valid or may not meet the necessary requirements. The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994.
  • Provide additional documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documents. For example, if you are a permanent resident, you will need to submit your permanent resident card. If you are a temporary resident or worker, you will need to provide your work permit information.
  • Submit your application: You can apply, update, or obtain a SIN confirmation online by uploading your digital documents securely. Alternatively, you can apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or by mail. If you submit your application by mail, your documents will be returned to you via mail once your application is complete.
  • Protect your personal information: When filling out your SIN application online, always close your browser if you step away from your computer or device. Never leave your device unattended to ensure your personal information is protected.
  • Check your SIN: Once your application has been processed, you can view your updated SIN on the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) portal if you are eligible.

It is important to note that this guide is specifically for correcting errors on a SIN record. The process may vary depending on the specific changes or updates you need to make to your SIN card or record.

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To update your name on your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, you must submit an application and the required documents. This is necessary when you change your name, as your SIN card shows your legal name. Failing to change your name on the SIN card can lead to problems when you need to use your SIN number.

Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary documents. For a change of name, you must provide proof of identity, such as an original Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate, as well as the original legal proof of your name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate.

Next, you will need to get a Social Insurance Number Application from the official website of Service Canada, the Canadian government's online service website. Complete the SIN application, selecting "Legal Change of Name" as the application type. You will need to provide your old name, new name, address, SIN number, birthplace and date, as well as the names of both your parents. Remember to sign and date the application and include your original documents with your submission.

You can then mail the application and the documents to Social Insurance Registration, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB, E2A 4T1. You will receive your new card and original documents back in approximately three weeks. Alternatively, you can bring the completed application and your original documents to your local Service Canada Centre if you prefer not to mail the originals. There is no fee for this service.

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Update your immigration document's expiry date

To update your immigration documents' expiry date with a SIN card, you must submit a SIN application and provide the required documents. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the required documents: To update your immigration document's expiry date on your SIN record, you will need to submit specific documents. The exact documents required will depend on your situation, but generally, you will need to provide one of the following as your primary identity document:

  • Birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC.
  • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977.
  • Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC.
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC.
  • Submit your application: You can submit your SIN application online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. When submitting your application, ensure that all documents are digital copies, clear, legible, and complete. They must also be in English or French.
  • Wait for processing: If you apply online, your application will typically be processed within 5 business days. If you apply by mail, the processing time is usually 20 business days. You will receive confirmation emails if you provided your email address.
  • Receive your updated SIN: Once your application is approved and processed, you will receive a Confirmation of SIN letter. Your SIN number will stay the same, but the expiry date on your SIN record will be updated to match the date on your new immigration document.

Remember, if your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document, as long as you maintain your status during the processing. Ensure that once you receive your new immigration document, you promptly apply to Service Canada to update the expiry date on your SIN record.

Frequently asked questions

The SIN is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes and is required to work in Canada. It also gives access to programs and benefits such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

It is important to keep your SIN card and other documents containing your SIN in a safe place, not your wallet. Shred any documents that contain your SIN, and do not recycle them. Only provide your SIN when it is legally required.

You must provide your SIN when starting a job, and it is required for income tax and benefit arrangements. Some federal government departments and programs are authorised to collect your SIN, and private-sector organisations may also request it for income reporting purposes.

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