Upon arrival to Canada, keep in mind that you need to get a Social Insurance Number, or SIN number. You cannot legally work in the country without a SIN.
Children who are 12 years old or older have the opportunity to apply for their Social Insurance Number (SIN). However, for children under the age of majority in their province and for adults under someone’s care, it is the responsibility of parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives to apply on their behalf.
Permanent Residents can get their SIN after their immigration check at the airport; however, international students and foreign workers need to apply after entering the country.
To apply for a SIN, you don’t need to pay any fee. However, you can’t study or work without a number. A SIN number is a 9-digit number that helps the government identify you and, later on, upon working, can help you pay taxes.
Additionally, you require a SIN to apply for government programs and use the benefits the government provides you; for example, you can benefit from Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
To apply for a SIN number, you apply in person. However, usually, the office has long lines, and you would have to wait a while to apply. Therefore the government gave people multiple other options to apply for a SIN number.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
- Applying by Mail
- Applying SIN Online
Applying by Mail
If you reside over 100 kilometres away from your nearest Service Canada office, you have the option to apply for a SIN by mail. To apply by mail, you need a completed SIN application form. You can get it from the office near you or order it by phone at 1-506-548-7961.
Once you have completed the form, it is necessary to send all original supporting documents along with the application form to the designated address of the Social Insurance Registration Office.
Documents you should provide should include
- A document verifying your identity like your passport, driver license, provincial ID
- Your proof of address.
- PR Card if you are a permanent resident
- Work Permit if you have one
- Study Permit for students
Applying Online
Once you have the abovementioned documents, you can apply online through the government’s SIN website. For online applications, you can apply using digital copies. However, they should be clear and legible.
If you submit a document that is neither in English nor French, you must also submit the following:
- An English or French translation of the document, and
- An attestation or affidavit written and signed by the translator.
If you submit a document in a language other than English or French, it is necessary to provide the following:
- A translation of the document into either English or French.
- An attestation or affidavit that confirms the translator’s qualifications and includes their written signature.
What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
If you misplaced your SIN card or confirmation letter, Service Canada does not provide replacements for the Social Insurance Number. However, they can issue a new confirmation letter. In rare cases where your SIN has been stolen or used in identity theft, Service Canada may consider issuing a new number. To obtain a replacement for a lost SIN card or confirmation letter, you must visit the local Service Canada centre with the same documents. You’ll receive a SIN confirmation letter with the same number.
Don’t forget to report a missing card or letter right away. If someone comes across your card or letter, they could exploit the information to engage in fraudulent activities against you or others.