How to Get a Canadian SIN as a Newcomer (Social Insurance Number)
Your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ is a nine-digit number you need to work in Canada or access benefits and tax records. Apply in person at a Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ office with your passport and immigration document — it is free, usually issued the same day, and temporary residents get a 900-series SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ that expires with their permit.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Gather the primary document
Your primary document proves your immigration status: PR cardPermanent Resident Card — The official proof of Canadian permanent resident status, needed for travel back to Canada on commercial vehicles.Click for official info ↗ or COPRConfirmation of Permanent Residence — The document (now usually electronic, eCOPR) proving you were approved for Canadian permanent residence.Click for official info ↗ for permanent residents; work permit, study permit with work conditions, or visitor record for temporary residents. The document must be original — photocopies are not accepted.
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- Go 30–60 min
Visit a Service Canada office
Walk in or book online. Bring your passport and primary immigration document. Staff verify the documents and issue the SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ on the spot in most cases — you leave with a printed confirmation letter containing the number; no plastic card is issued anymore.
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- Submit & Pay
Apply by mail only if you cannot attend in person
If no office is reachable, mail the application form with certified true copies of your documents (Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ returns originals by mail). Processing takes about 3 weeks — most newcomers should use the in-person route.
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- Follow Up
Understand the 900-series rules
Temporary residents receive a SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ starting with 900 that expires on the permit's expiry date. It is valid only while you hold that status — renewing your permit means updating your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ record. Employers see the expiry and must stop payroll if it lapses.
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- Receive
Protect the number
Your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ is the key to your tax and benefit records — give it only to employers, banks (for interest accounts), and CRACanada Revenue Agency — Canada's tax agency. It administers income tax, benefits like the GST/HST credit, and CRA My Account.Click for official info ↗. Never carry the confirmation letter daily or put the number on résumés or rental applications. SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ fraud is a common newcomer scam target.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer to get a SIN?
No — any valid work-eligible immigration document is enough. Study permit holders whose permit allows work (the standard 20h/week condition) also qualify. Visitor-record holders without work conditions cannot get a SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗.
My permit was renewed. Do I need a new SIN?
No — the number stays the same for life, but you must update the expiry date on your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ record with Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ (bring the new permit). Otherwise employers and CRACanada Revenue Agency — Canada's tax agency. It administers income tax, benefits like the GST/HST credit, and CRA My Account.Click for official info ↗ systems treat your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ as expired and payroll/benefits break.
Someone asked me to pay for a SIN application. Is that normal?
No — the SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ is always free from Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗. Websites charging fees just forward the same application. Report them to Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ and apply directly; in-person applications are same-day anyway.
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