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How to Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada

Social Insurance Number – Apply

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    Social Insurance Number – Apply

    To work and access various benefits in Canada, residents need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Service Canada issues SINs to both Temporary Residents (TRs) and Canadian Permanent Residents (PRs). Canadian residents aged 12 and over can apply for a SIN either online or in person at a Service Canada office. The SIN is essential for participating in government programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI).

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    Understanding the Social Insurance Number

    Service Canada assigns a unique 9-digit SIN to all Canadian residents. This number is vital for both Temporary and Permanent Residents, allowing them to work and benefit from government services. It must be provided to employers to access programs like CPP and EI.
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    How to Apply for a SIN

    Canadian residents can apply for a SIN through an online application, by mail, or by visiting a Service Canada office. The application requirements vary depending on whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and whether you are a TR, PR, or Canadian citizen.
    Temporary and Permanent Residents should apply for a SIN within three days of starting work in Canada. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), employees must have a SIN before they can commence insurable employment.
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    Documents Needed for SIN Application

    For Permanent Residents applying online for themselves, the following documents are required:

    Primary Identity Document (one of the following):

    • IRCC-issued or CIC-issued PR Card
    • IRCC-issued Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (valid within one year of PR status or a Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002)

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    • Valid Canadian or foreign passport
    • Provincial or territorial ID card
    • Driver’s license
    • Any Canadian government-issued ID
    Note: Provide additional documents if the name on any of the provided documents differs from the name on the SIN application.
    For Temporary Residents applying online for themselves, the following documents are required:

    Primary Identity Document (one of the following):

    • IRCC-issued or CIC-issued Work Permit
    • IRCC-issued or CIC-issued Study Permit with work authorization
    • IRCC-issued or CIC-issued Visitor Record with work authorization
    • IRCC-issued or CIC-issued Diplomatic Identity Card with an authorized work permit from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

    Note: Temporary Residents can continue working with an expired SIN while waiting for a new immigration document, provided they maintain valid status. They must apply for a new immigration document as soon as work authorization is received.

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    Secondary Document (if required):

    • Valid Canadian or foreign passport
    • Provincial or territorial ID card
    • Any Canadian government-issued ID
    Note: Provide additional documents if the name on any of the documents provided differs from the name on the SIN application.
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    Receiving and Updating Your SIN

    According to ESDC, SIN applications are typically processed within five working days if all documents are in order. Temporary Residents with SINs starting with a 9 must update their SIN record to ensure the expiry date matches their work permit. Canadian residents will receive a new expiry date once their SIN record is updated.

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    Lost or Forgotten SIN

    If you forget your SIN, you can find it on documents such as your income tax return, employment records, or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions. A new SIN will only be issued if the previous one was found to be fraudulently used. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your SIN secure and private.
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