How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number. You need one to work in Canada and to get government programs and benefits (Service Canada). Your employer uses it to report your pay for taxes and benefits.

Getting a SIN is free. This guide explains who can apply, what documents to bring, and how to keep your number safe. We checked these facts on October 12, 2026. Follow the links for the latest details.

Who can apply

From Apply for a SIN:

• Anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN. A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child who is not yet an adult in their province.
• There is no fee. If a website or a person asks you to pay for a SIN, don't pay. Apply directly with Service Canada.

What kind of SIN you get depends on your status (Service Canada):

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents get a SIN that does not expire.
• Temporary residents can apply if they have a work or study permit that allows them to work. Their SIN has an expiry date. See the section for temporary residents below.

Documents you need

From Required documents:

1. One primary document. This proves your identity and your status in Canada.
   • Citizens: a Canadian birth certificate or a citizenship certificate
   • Permanent residents: a permanent resident card, or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued within the past year
   • Temporary residents: a work permit, a study permit that says you "may work" or "may accept employment," or a visitor record that says you are allowed to work
2. One secondary document. It must be valid and show your full legal name and date of birth. Examples are a passport (Canadian or foreign), a Canadian driver's licence, or a provincial ID card.
3. A supporting document, if your name has changed. For example, a marriage certificate or a legal change of name certificate.

A few more rules:

• If your study permit or visitor record doesn't mention work, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ask if you can get an amended permit.
• An email from IRCC is not accepted as your primary document (temporary residents).
• Documents that are not in English or French must be translated. A family member can't do the translation.
• Online, you upload clear digital copies of both sides of each document. By mail or in person, you use the original documents.

Three ways to apply

Service Canada says to apply online for faster processing (Apply for a SIN). Times below are for complete applications (application status):

Applying in person. Use the office finder to find a Service Canada office near you. Many offices offer a telephone interpretation service if you don't speak or read English or French.

Applying by mail. You send your original documents, and they come back by mail. Service Canada says it is not responsible for documents lost in the mail (Apply for a SIN). If you can, apply online or in person instead.

No plastic card. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. You get a confirmation letter, or you see your number online. Old plastic cards are still valid (Service Canada).

If you are a temporary resident

From SIN for temporary residents:

• Your SIN starts with 9.
• It expires on the same date as your work permit, study permit, or visitor record.
• When you get a new permit with a new expiry date, update your SIN record.
• If your SIN expires but you applied to extend your permit (this is called maintained status), you can keep working with your expired SIN until IRCC decides.
• You can start working as soon as you apply. You don't need to wait for the number.

Let your employer know when your SIN is updated. If you are an international student, also check how many hours your permit lets you work. Our guide Your first job in Canada as a newcomer explains the basics.

Who needs your SIN, and who doesn't

From Protect your SIN:

You give your SIN to:

• Your employer, after you are hired and start earning income
• Your bank or other financial institution, so it can report interest and other income for tax
• Government programs, such as income tax, Employment Insurance, and student loans

You don't have to give your SIN to:

• Fill out a job application
• Rent an apartment or a car
• Sign up for a phone, internet, or cable plan
• Apply for a credit card, or cash a cheque

Service Canada says a business can't refuse you a product or service because you won't give your SIN, when the law doesn't require it.

Keep your SIN off your resume. An employer who asks for it before hiring you, or in a chat or text message, is a warning sign. Learn more in Job scams that target first-time job seekers.

Keep your SIN safe

From Protect your SIN:

• Don't carry your SIN letter in your wallet. Keep it in a safe place at home, or on a device with a password.
• Shred papers that show your SIN before you throw them out.
• Your SIN letter is not an ID document. Use a passport or driver's licence to prove who you are.
• Never give your SIN over the phone, unless you made the call and you know the law requires it.
• Watch out for surprise calls, texts or emails saying your SIN is in trouble, or that it will be locked or cancelled. Don't reply. Hang up.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says it will not use text messages or instant messaging to ask for personal information like your SIN (Starting to work).

If your SIN is lost, stolen or misused

If you lost your SIN letter, you can view and print your SIN in My Service Canada Account. You can also apply for a Confirmation of SIN, using the same documents as a first application (lost or damaged SIN).

If someone else used your SIN, Service Canada suggests these steps (SIN fraud):

1. Report it to your local police. Ask for a copy of the report and the case number.
2. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, online or at 1-888-495-8501 (report fraud).
3. Contact Canada's two main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion. Ask for your credit report, and think about adding a fraud alert.
4. Check your bank statements, credit card statements, and mail for anything you don't recognize.

You usually keep the same SIN. Service Canada gives a new number only if there is clear evidence that your SIN was used for fraud, and even then it doesn't recommend one: a new SIN doesn't cancel the old one, so you still have to watch for misuse.

Next steps

• Open a bank account: Opening a bank account as a newcomer
• Learn what's on your pay: How to read your pay stub
• Read Your first job in Canada as a newcomer
• Find entry-level jobs in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area