What is SIN?

The Social Insurance Number or the SIN is a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada issues to those who work in Canada. One can access government programs and benefits from this number as well. 

It is a private set of numbers so students should make sure that it is not to be given to anyone else but their employer. No one else has the right to use this number on behalf of anyone. Irrespective of the status whether one is a temporary resident or a permanent resident, this number is required to work in Canada.

Please note that there is no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number.

What are the documents required to apply for SIN?

• Your Passport
• Canadian phone number 
• Canadian proof of address
• Study/Work permit

How to apply for SIN?

There are three methods how to apply for the Social Insurance Number. You can either apply online, by mail or in person. Let us discuss all three procedures in detail:

How to Apply Online?

1. Log on to: https://sin-nas.canada.ca/en/Sin/
2. Fill up the form on the website and upload all your scanned documents
3. Once the application is submitted, it will be processed, and you will eventually get the SIN number by mail

Please note that if you need to send it to another address, you need to apply by mail.

How to Apply In-person?

Please check out the following steps if you wish to go physically to the office and apply in person. Due to the pandemic, the Federal Government of Canada recommends that students fill the appointment online on their website. The steps to do so are as followed:

1. Log on to: https://eservices.canada.ca/en/service/
2. Fill out the “book the appointment” section. You will get a call and an email confirmation as well.
3. Have the original documents ready and arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment
4. Get your SIN issued the same day

How to Apply by Mail?

1. Log on to: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
2. Please check the required documents on the official website before mailing
3. Make sure all documents are originals, as copies will not be accepted
4. Mail your documents to the following address: 

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada

5. If you apply online or by post, you will receive an email with your SIN within 20 working days

Haven’t received a SIN email within 25 days?

If you do not get any confirmation via email regarding your SIN, you can call the following helpline numbers:

 Domestic – 1-866-274-6627

 Overseas – 1-800-926-9105.

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Atlantic time

How long is your SIN valid?

Your SIN will remain valid till the time you are authorized to work in Canada. Every time you extend your study or work permit, and you want to continue working or file your taxes, you will have to renew your SIN. This is mandatory for everyone.

Some helpful tips for the students applying for a SIN

You should always be careful when applying for the SIN as it is highly confidential. Make sure to not share this information with anyone other than your employer. Beware of scam calls. Service Canada will never ask this number over the phone. However, you may need to provide other personal information when calling Service Canada.

1. Make sure to include all the mandatory documents before you send your application.
2. If you want to get the SIN at a different address, then you need to apply by mail.
3. Never leave your computer or laptop unattended while filling in the application. Always remember to close the browser if you are done with your application and if you feel a stranger is around.

Now since you have figured out how you can apply for the SIN, you must be excited to apply and start working. Good luck with your SIN application and job hunting!

Click here, to apply the SIN.

How to protect your SIN

To protect your SIN:

• Always make sure to store it in a safe place and don’t carry it on yourself often
• Never use your SIN as a piece of identification. You should use other pieces of IDs instead
• Only provide your SIN to your employer
• When you feel it is legally required, only give the SIN information over the phone
• Refrain from answering emails that ask for your personal information such as your SIN 
• Never forget to update the SIN Program with changes to your status in Canada
• Take action right away if you feel that you have lost your SIN or it is stolen

When to provide the SIN?

Make sure that you provide your SIN only under these circumstances:

• After you are hired for the job, you applied
• Income tax information
• When opening an account from which you earn interest at a bank 
• For government programs and benefits

When not to provide the SIN?

For example, you do not have to provide your SIN to:

• Prove your identity 
• Apply for any job
• Rent a house or flat
• Apply for your bank credit/debit card
• Cash a cheque
• Rent a car 
• Sign up for services such as cell phone, Internet, or TV services
• Apply to a university or college

Disclaimer:

The information is obtained directly from Government websites. The information has been gathered as accurately as possible at the time of writing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the Government’s official website.

Source: How to Apply SIN in Canada  Online SIN Application Form How to protect your SIN Documents required to apply the SIN