Every year, thousands of Canadians encounter the same frustration: they land a new job, visit their bank to open a savings account, or prepare to file taxes, only to realize they can’t find their Social Insurance Number.
Without this nine-digit code, you can’t work legally, access government benefits, or complete essential financial transactions.
This guide explains what a SIN is used for, why it’s important, and how to apply for one.
What is a Social Insurance Number?
A Social Insurance Number is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by Service Canada, a division of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The government uses this number to administer various programs and services across Canada.
Your SIN functions as your personal account number. Every financial transaction and government interaction requiring this identifier links directly to your records.
Your Social Insurance Number’s first digit reveals where Service Canada issued it. This geographic coding system helps government agencies quickly identify the registration origin of each SIN.
SIN Number Prefix Guide for Canadian Provinces
| First Digit | Province/Territory |
| 1 | Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PE, NL) |
| 2-3 | Quebec |
| 4-5 | Ontario |
| 6 | Prairies & North (AB, SK, MB, NT, NU) |
| 7 | British Columbia & Yukon |
| 9 | Temporary Residents (all provinces) |
| 0, 8 | Never used (indicates fraud) |
Why You Need a Social Insurance Number
Below are five main reasons why you need a Social Insurance Number in Canada:
To work legally: Employers must report your earnings to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using your SIN, and they cannot process payroll without it.
To pay and file taxes: The CRA uses your SIN to link all your tax-related information, such as employment income from T4 slips, investment income from T5 forms, RRSP contributions, and charitable donations, to your annual tax return.
To access government programs: You need it to file your annual income tax return, receive Canada Pension Plan (CPP), access Employment Insurance (EI) if you lose your job, collect the Canada Child Benefit, and apply for Old Age Security.
To open financial and investment accounts: Banks, credit unions, and investment firms must collect your SIN when you open accounts that earn taxable income, such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Tax-Free Savings Accounts.
To apply for student loans: The Canada Student Loans Programme uses your SIN to verify your identity, assess your eligibility based on family income reported to the CRA, and manage your loan balance throughout repayment.
Who Needs a SIN Number?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential for anyone who wants to work in Canada or receive government benefits and services. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents:
Canadian citizens
This is the largest group eligible for a Social Insurance Number, regardless of age. Almost all citizens will need one at some point in their lives.
- Newborns can receive SINs through provincial birth registration programmes in most provinces, though parents may also apply separately through Service Canada.
- Teenagers typically apply for their first SIN before starting their first part-time job.
- Adults who never previously needed one must apply when entering the workforce or accessing government benefits.
- Citizens born abroad to Canadian parents qualify immediately upon receiving their Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
Permanent residents
Similarly, permanent residents need a SIN to work and access benefits. You can apply as soon as you receive your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Your SIN remains valid for life and never expires.
Temporary residents
If you are in Canada temporarily, you can only get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you have official permission to work.
You CAN get a SIN if you are:
- A temporary worker with a valid work permit.
- An international student, and your study permit states you are allowed to work.
You CANNOT get a SIN if you are:
- A tourist or visitor.
- An international student whose study permit does not authorize work.
- A person in Canada without a valid legal status.
How to Apply for a Social Insurance Number
There are three application methods for obtaining your Social Insurance Number in Canada: online application, mail application and in-person application.
Before you apply – Gather required documents
Regardless of which of the three available methods you use, you must provide documents that verify your identity and legal status in Canada:
- Citizens: Your Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization for those who became citizens after immigrating.
- Permanent Residents: Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- Temporary Residents: Your original Work Permit or qualifying Study Permit, plus your passport.
- Also have: Any supporting documents (like a marriage certificate or legal name change certificate if your name has changed) and proof of address.
Choose your application method
Once your documents are ready, you can choose the application method that suits you best.
Online Application
Online application works for certain applicants, including Canadian citizens or permanent residents. If you’re temporary residents and first-time applicants without existing government records, you must apply in person or by mail instead.
Step 1: Create or Log In to Your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
Go to the official Canada.ca website and search for “My Service Canada Account.”
- If you already have an account, sign in.
- If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one. The system will guide you through a verification process, which can often be done easily through your online banking or your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account.
Step 2: Find and Complete the SIN Application
Once you are logged into your MSCA dashboard, look for the link or button that says “Apply for a Social Insurance Number.” Then, you need to carefully fill out the online application form and double-check to ensure all your personal information is correct.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents and Submit
Upload all digital copies of your documents that you prepared and click “Submit.” You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received.
Mail Application
Mail applications are available to all applicants, regardless of immigration status. This method is essential for temporary residents who cannot apply online.
Step 1: Get the Application Form
The process begins by downloading the SIN application form from canada.ca/social-insurance-number, where you’ll find the current version of the form GC-NAS2120 in both English and French.
Step 2: Get Certified Copies of Your Documents
You must NEVER mail your original documents. Instead, you need certified true copies that have been checked and signed by an authorized person, such as a lawyer, notary public or Service Canada employee.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the paper application form you printed in Step 1. Use clear, block letters and make sure every section is completed accurately. An incorrect or incomplete form will cause major delays.
Step 4: Mail Your Application Package
Once you’ve gathered your certified documents and completed the application form, mail everything to the Service Canada processing centre address listed on the application form.
In-Person Application
This method provides the fastest processing available, with same-day service typical at most offices.
Step 1: Find a Service Canada Centre
Go to the Canada.ca website and search for “Find a Service Canada Centre” to locate the office nearest to you. It’s a good idea to check their hours of operation before you go.
Step 2: Gather Your ORIGINAL Documents
The process requires bringing original documents to your nearest Service Canada Centre; no photocopies or certified copies are necessary when applying in person.
Step 3: Visit the Service Canada Centre and Apply
At the office, you will be called to meet with a Service Canada agent.
- You can fill out the application form there, and the agent can help you if you have any questions.
- The agent will look at your original documents, verify your identity, and enter your application into the system right away.
Receiving and Protecting Your SIN
Regardless of how you apply, you will receive a Confirmation of SIN letter. Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.
- In-Person Application: You will receive your printed Confirmation of SIN letter immediately at the Service Canada Centre.
- Online Application: Your letter will be mailed to you in approximately 10 business days.
- Mail Application: Your letter will be mailed to you in approximately 20 business days after Service Canada receives your application package.
How to Update Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) Record
Your SIN number never changes, but your personal information linked to it requires updates when circumstances change. You must update your SIN record when:
Your legal name changes
If you’ve legally changed your name, you’ll need to file an application to update your SIN record. This process is similar to applying for a new SIN and requires official proof of the change.
To do this, you must provide a valid supporting document, such as:
- A marriage certificate
- A decree of divorce or a court order for separation
- A legal name change certificate from a provincial/territorial court
- An adoption order
The specific document you need will depend on the reason for your name change.
Immigration Status Changes
When you transition from being a temporary resident to a permanent resident, you have a choice to make regarding your SIN.
Option 1: Keep Your Existing SIN.
Your temporary SIN (the one starting with a ‘9’) remains completely valid even after you become a permanent resident. You can continue using it indefinitely without any interruption to your employment, benefits, or rights.
Option 2: Apply for a New SIN
If you prefer, you can apply for a new SIN that doesn’t start with a ‘9’. If you choose this route, remember that you are responsible for providing this new number to your employer, bank, and any other relevant organizations to ensure their records are updated.
Gender Designation Changes
You have the flexibility to update the gender marker on your SIN record. You can also choose to have no gender displayed at all. Service Canada allows you to select ‘X’ for non-binary or to remove the gender marker entirely. A note will be added to your file to reflect this choice.
Similar to applying for a new SIN, you have three methods to update your SIN: online, by mail, or in person, with the same processing times.
How to Renew Your Temporary SIN in Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents never renew their SINs because permanent SINs don’t expire.
On the other hand, temporary residents must renew their SINs when IRCC approves their permit extension. In this case, SIN doesn’t automatically update, so you must apply to Service Canada to align the dates.
You have three ways to renew your temporary SIN: online through My Service Canada Account, by mail to the Social Insurance Registration Office, or in person at any Service Canada Centre.
However, these renewal processes are simpler and faster compared to applying for a SIN for the first time:
- Online: Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). The system will pre-fill most of your information. You just need to upload a digital copy of your new, extended permit.
- By Mail: Send your application to the Social Insurance Registration Office. An agent will pull up your existing file and simply verify your new permit to update the expiry date.
- In Person: Visit a Service Canada Centre. An in-person renewal is usually quick, taking about 20-30 minutes, because the agent only needs to update your existing record instead of creating a new one from scratch.
Each method requires submitting:
- Primary document proving extended authorization (must provide one): Work permit issued by IRCC, Study permit with work authorization, or IRCC email confirmation.
- Identity documents: Passport from your country of citizenship, and an additional identity document if name discrepancies exist.
When renewing your temporary SIN, your nine-digit number never changes. The only thing that gets updated is the expiry date in the government’s records.
Where to Find Your Social Insurance Number
Your nine-digit SIN appears in three locations:
- Your Confirmation of SIN letter: When Service Canada issues your SIN, they mail you a letter containing your nine-digit number at the top of the page. This letter is the only physical document you’ll receive, as Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.
- Income tax documents: Previous years’ tax returns show your SIN on the first page, as this number identifies you to the Canada Revenue Agency.
- My Service Canada Account: This offers electronic access to your SIN if you’ve created and verified your MSCA. After logging in to your account through canada.ca, you’ll find your SIN displayed in your profile information.
Suppose you cannot find your SIN through these methods. In that case, you can request a new confirmation letter from Service Canada by visiting a Service Canada office in person with valid identification, which includes your passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate, along with one additional piece of ID showing your current address.
Temporary vs Permanent Social Insurance Numbers: What are the differences
Service Canada issues two distinct types of SINs based on your immigration status: permanent SINs for citizens and permanent residents, and temporary SINs for temporary workers.
| Feature | Temporary SIN | Permanent SIN |
| Who receives it | Temporary foreign workers with valid work permits; international students with work-authorized study permits | Canadian citizens; permanent residents of Canada |
| First digit | Always starts with “9” | Never starts with “9” (uses digits 1-7) |
| Expiry date | Yes – expires on same date as work permit or study permit work authorization | No expiry date – valid for lifetime |
| Renewal requirements | Must update SIN record each time work permit is extended or renewed | Never requires renewal regardless of years passed |
| Validity if leaving Canada | Becomes invalid when work authorization expires, even if you’re outside Canada | Remains valid indefinitely, even during years spent outside Canada |
| Application documents required | Valid work permit OR study permit with explicit work authorization; passport from country of citizenship | Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (citizens); COPR or PR Card (permanent residents) |
| What happens during a status change | Can keep existing temporary SIN OR apply for a new permanent SIN when becoming a permanent resident | No status changes affect permanent SIN |
What to Do if Your Social Insurance Number is Stolen
Discovering your SIN was stolen or used fraudulently demands immediate action within hours, not days, to minimize damage. You need to follow the process below step by step:
Step 1: Contact Service Canada immediately at 1-800-206-7218, reporting SIN theft or suspected fraudulent use.
Step 2: File a police report with your local police service documenting identity theft.
Step 3: Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Step 4: Contact both major credit bureaus immediately, requesting fraud alerts on your credit file.
Step 5: Alert all financial institutions where you hold accounts, including banks, credit unions, and credit card companies.
Step 6: Contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281, informing them of SIN theft.
Step 7:Â Monitor your tax account through CRA My Account quarterly for one to two years to ensure no unusual activities appear.
The bottom line
Your Social Insurance Number serves as your essential identifier for employment, taxation, and government benefits throughout your life in Canada.
Understanding the difference between permanent and temporary SINs, knowing which of the three application methods suits your situation, and protecting your number from theft and fraud ensures smooth access to everything from your first job to retirement benefits decades later.
FAQs about Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada
Is there a fee to get a Social Insurance Number?
No, Service Canada provides Social Insurance Numbers completely free of charge. New applications, replacement confirmation letters, and updates to your SIN record all involve zero fees.
How long does it take to get a SIN?
Processing times vary significantly by application method. Online applications submitted through My Service Canada Account typically take 10 business days while mail applications require approximately 20 business days.
Can I have more than one Social Insurance Number?
No, each person receives exactly one Social Insurance Number for their entire lifetime. If you lose your SIN confirmation letter and request a replacement, Service Canada issues a new letter showing the same nine-digit number you've always had.
Do I need to update my SIN if I change my name?
Your actual nine-digit Social Insurance Number never changes regardless of name changes through marriage, divorce, or legal name change certificates. However, you should update your SIN record with Service Canada to reflect your new legal name so your confirmation letter matches your current identification.
What if my work permit expired but I applied for renewal (maintained status)?
This situation creates complexity that requires careful attention. Technically, your temporary SIN expires on the same date as your work permit, even when you're on maintained status whilst IRCC processes your renewal application.
When was the Social Insurance Number programme created?
The Canadian government introduced the Social Insurance Number programme in 1964, initially designed to administer the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance (then called Unemployment Insurance).
How to find your social insurance number online
According to the official Government of Canada website, you can view and print your complete Social Insurance Number online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA). To access your SIN online, you need to register for or sign into MSCA by visiting the official Service Canada website.
What happens to my SIN when I leave Canada permanently?
Your SIN remains valid indefinitely even if you permanently leave Canada, emigrate to another country, or renounce Canadian citizenship. Service Canada doesn't deactivate SINs for people who leave. If you return to Canada years later to work or access benefits, your original SIN still functions. However, if you're a temporary resident whose work permit expires while outside Canada, your SIN becomes invalid until you obtain new work authorization and update your SIN record.
When did Canada start issuing Social Insurance Numbers?
Canada introduced the Social Insurance Number system in 1964. The government created SINs to track contributions to the Canada Pension Plan and unemployment insurance programs.
