Obtaining A Sin Card: Navigating The Process

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) by providing certain documents. International students can only get their SIN after they have arrived in Canada and received their study permit. You can apply for a SIN online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. If you are a minor, you can apply for your own SIN once you are 12 years old.

Applying for a SIN as an international student

As an international student in Canada, getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is crucial for integration into Canadian society. A SIN is a nine-digit number that allows you to work, access government services and benefits, and is required for most jobs in Canada. International students who are authorised to work in Canada, either on or off-campus, will need a SIN.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students:

To be eligible for a SIN as an international student in Canada, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must have been authorised to work in Canada by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• You must have a valid study permit or a valid work permit.

Documents Required:

When applying for a SIN, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A valid IRCC-issued study permit or work permit that shows you are authorised to work in Canada.
• A document stating your legal status in Canada, such as a confirmation of enrolment from your school or a job offer letter.
• Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or driver's licence.
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

Application Process:

There are three ways to apply for a SIN in Canada: online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Here is an overview of each option:

• In-Person Application: Visit a Service Canada Centre with all the required documents and fill out the SIN application form. A Service Canada agent will review your documents, verify your identity, and process your application.
• Mail-In Application: Download the SIN application form from the Service Canada website, fill it out, gather the required documents, and mail them to the nearest Service Canada Centre.
• Online Application: Visit the Service Canada website, click on the "Apply for a SIN" link, create an account or log in, complete the application form, upload the required documents, and submit your application.

The processing time for a SIN application is typically 2-4 weeks, but it may take longer if your application is incomplete or there are issues with your documents.

Additional Tips:

• Start the application process early to ensure you receive your SIN before starting work.
• Make sure you have all the required documents; you can find a list on the Service Canada website.
• If you are uncomfortable communicating in English or French, consider bringing someone to help with translation during the in-person application.

Receiving your SIN usually takes about three weeks, so plan ahead if you intend to work or apply for services requiring a SIN.

Applying for a SIN as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

To apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must provide a valid primary document that proves your identity and legal status in Canada. All documents must be original—photocopies are not accepted. If you submit a document that is not in English or French, you must also submit a translation of the document in English or French, along with an attestation or affidavit signed by the translator.

Gather the required documents:

• For Canadian citizens:
• 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.
• For permanent residents:
• Permanent Resident Card.
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), along with a travel document or a photo ID issued by a provincial or territorial authority. This is only acceptable within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After this period, a Permanent Resident Card is required.
• Record of Landing, if issued before June 28, 2002.

Choose your application method:

• Online: You can apply for a SIN through the Government of Canada website. You'll need to upload digital copies of your original documents and will typically receive your SIN by mail within 15 days.
• In-person: Book an appointment at any Service Canada Centre and bring your original documents. You'll receive your SIN at the location.
• By mail: Fill out and print the SIN application form and mail it along with your original documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office. You'll receive your SIN by mail within 25 days.

Keep your information up-to-date:

It is your responsibility to keep the information linked to your SIN current. Submit an application to correct errors, update your legal name, change your citizenship status, or modify your immigration document's expiry date.

Protect your SIN:

• Your SIN is confidential, and you must protect it from inappropriate use, fraud, and theft. Store any documents indicating your SIN in a safe place, and do not carry them around.
• Only share your SIN when legally required, such as with your employer after you're hired or when completing your income tax information.

By following these steps, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for and obtain their SIN to work in Canada and access government benefits and services.

Applying for a SIN in person, by mail or online

Applying for a SIN in Person

If you live in Canada, you can apply for a SIN in person at a Service Canada Centre. You must submit a SIN application and provide all the required documents. If you are applying for a SIN for the first time, you will need to provide a primary identity document, such as a birth certificate or passport, along with proof of eligibility, such as a work or study permit. If you are under the age of 12, a representative must apply on your behalf.

Applying for a SIN by Mail

If you live in a remote or inaccessible area and cannot apply for a SIN in person, you may apply for a SIN by mail. You can complete the application form and mail it, along with the required original documents, to the Social Insurance Registration Office in Bathurst, NB. If your application is approved, you will receive your SIN letter in the mail within 20 business days. However, it is important to note that Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.

Applying for a SIN Online

You can also apply for a SIN online through the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) portal. You will need to upload digital copies of the required documents, which must be clear, legible, and complete. To protect your personal information, always close your browser when you step away from your device while filling out the application. Once your application is processed, you will be able to view your SIN on your MSCA account.

What to do if you've lost your SIN or it was stolen

If you've lost your SIN or it was stolen, the first thing you should do is contact Service Canada. They will not issue a new SIN unless there is proof that your SIN was used fraudulently. If you suspect this may be the case, refer to the "Protecting Your SIN" guidelines for more information.

It is also a good idea to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and report the theft. This can help them figure out who stole your SIN. You should also report it to the police and ask for a copy of the report.

Next, you should contact your creditors (e.g. bank, credit card companies) and cancel your cards, asking for new ones to be issued. Be sure to pick a new PIN. Write down all the steps you've taken to address the possible fraud, logging who you've called and whom you've spoken with. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a great resource if you suspect your identity has been compromised.

Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit card bills for any suspicious activity or purchases, and be aware of your billing cycles. Make sure you're not missing any seemingly mundane invoices, and check for signs of tampering, such as open envelopes or broken mailbox locks. Redirecting mail may be one of the ways fraudsters will try to learn more about you and your identity.

Contact either of Canada's two national credit bureaus—TransUnion and Equifax—and ask for a free copy of your credit report. For a fee, both of these agencies will also regularly monitor your credit, alerting you to any attempts to set up a new account (such as a credit card) in your name.

Finally, change your passwords and make them difficult to guess. While this is common practice in today's digital age, many of us are guilty of not doing it. Avoid the obvious or anything that someone might be able to guess. Also, consider using different passwords for different sites, so if one is compromised, the rest of your online footprint will still be safe.

How to protect your SIN

To obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada, you can apply online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

• Store your SIN information safely: Keep documents that show your SIN in a locked cabinet or security safe. This includes SIN confirmation letters, SIN cards, and income tax documents.
• Shred documents: Shred documents that show your personal information when you dispose of them. Do not recycle or put them in the bin without shredding them first.
• View your SIN securely: Access your SIN through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
• Do not carry your SIN in public: Do not keep your SIN card or letter in your wallet or bag.
• Do not leave your SIN out in the open: Do not keep documents that show your SIN in unlocked drawers or on devices without password protection.
• Use other documents for identification: Use your passport, driver's license, health card, or another form of identification instead of your SIN card or letter.
• Recognize scams: Be cautious of phone calls, text messages, or emails that claim your SIN is compromised, offer to replace your SIN, or threaten to lock or cancel your SIN.
• Do not respond to suspicious messages: Do not respond to emails, calls, or text messages that refer to your SIN unless you know they are legitimate. Never provide your SIN over the phone unless you made the call and know that it is legally required.
• Only provide your SIN when legally required: Ask if it is legally required for you to provide your SIN before agreeing to do so.
• Be vigilant: Watch for signs that someone else is using your SIN, such as if the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) contacts you with a Notice of Reassessment for undeclared earnings.
• Take immediate action if you suspect fraud: If you suspect someone is using your SIN, act quickly to prevent loss and minimize the negative impact. File a police report, report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and contact Canada's two major credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion).

Frequently asked questions