🇨🇦 What is a SIN (Social Insurance Number)?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada. It is required to:
Work in Canada
Receive government benefits
File taxes
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for a SIN if you are:
Canadian Citizen
Permanent Resident
Temporary Resident (e.g., work permit, study permit holders)
Protected Person / Refugee
📑 Required Documents
Depending on your status in Canada, the documents vary slightly:
1. Canadian Citizens
Birth certificate (issued in Canada)
Canadian citizenship certificate or card
2. Permanent Residents
Permanent Resident Card, or
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) with passport
3. Temporary Residents
Work permit (issued by IRCC), or
Study permit (with condition that you “may accept employment”), and
Passport
4. Protected Persons
Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), or
Notice of Decision with valid immigration document
All documents must be originals and in English or French.
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
You can apply online, by mail, or in person.
💻 Option 1: Apply Online
Step 1: Go to the official website:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online”
Step 3: Prepare digital copies (scan/photo) of your documents
Step 4: Fill out the SIN application form
Step 5: Upload required documents and submit
⏱️ Processing Time: Usually 5–10 business days (if complete)
📬 Option 2: Apply by Mail
Step 1: Download and print the SIN Application Form (NAS-2120)
Step 2: Fill out the form completely
Step 3: Include original documents (they will be returned)
Step 4: Mail everything to:
⏱️ Processing Time: Around 20 business days
🏢 Option 3: Apply In Person
Step 1: Visit a nearby Service Canada Centre
Step 2: Bring all required original documents
Step 3: Fill out the form at the office (staff will assist)
⏱️ Processing Time: Immediate (you receive SIN on the spot)
Find a Service Canada Centre: Service Canada Location Finder
🎁 Benefits of SIN
Once you get your SIN, you can:
Work legally in Canada
Pay taxes and contribute to CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
Access benefits like:
Employment Insurance (EI)
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
GST/HST Credits
Old Age Security (OAS) and other pensions
Open a bank account and apply for credit cards
File income tax returns
⚠️ Important Tips
Keep your SIN safe – don’t carry it unless needed.
Only share SIN when absolutely required (e.g., with your employer, bank, or government agencies).
Don’t share SIN over the phone or email unless you are sure of the recipient.
❓ 1. What is a SIN used for?
A SIN is required to:
Work legally in Canada
Pay taxes
Receive government benefits (e.g., EI, Child Benefit, GST/HST credit)
Contribute to Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
❓ 2. Is the SIN permanent?
Yes, the SIN is permanent for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Temporary residents (e.g., work/study permit holders) get a SIN that starts with 9 and is valid until the expiry of their permit.
❓ 3. Can I apply for a SIN before arriving in Canada?
No. You must be physically present in Canada and have legal immigration status to apply.
❓ 4. How long does it take to get a SIN?
Online: 5–10 business days
By mail: Around 20 business days
In person: Same day (instant)
❓ 5. What if I lose my SIN?
You can request a confirmation of SIN by reapplying with your ID.
Visit a Service Canada Centre or apply online to retrieve your SIN.
❓ 6. Who can ask for my SIN?
Only trusted organizations such as:
Your employer
Banks or financial institutions
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Service Canada for benefits
⚠️ Warning: Never share your SIN with private companies, landlords, or over the phone/email without verification.
❓ 7. Can I use someone else’s SIN to work in Canada?
Absolutely not. This is illegal and considered fraud. You must use your own SIN.
❓ 8. Is there any fee to apply for SIN?
No. Applying for a SIN is completely free of charge.
❓ 9. My immigration status changed. Do I need a new SIN?
If you had a temporary SIN (starts with 9) and became a permanent resident, you must update your SIN.
Visit a Service Canada office with your PR card or Confirmation of PR to update it.
❓ 10. Can I apply for my child’s SIN?
Yes. Parents/legal guardians can apply for a SIN on behalf of their newborn or child using the “Newborn Registration Service” or by applying directly through Service Canada.
Learn how to apply for a Canadian SIN card in 2025. Full step-by-step guide with required documents, eligibility, benefits & FAQs. Apply online or in-person.