Whether you are a newly admitted international student, a professional on a work visa, or a new permanent resident, knowing how to apply for a SIN is the first step to a successful life in Canada.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential to access government programs and benefits or to work in Canada. As the application and visa process moves forward, many of you have successfully received your preferred offers and visas and are ready to start a new chapter in your lives in Canada. So next, this article will explain in detail how to apply for a SIN and what documents you need to prepare.
What Is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Government of Canada that is unique to each resident and is used to identify an individual for work, tax, and various government benefits in Canada. Your SIN number is private and cannot be used by anyone else.
Applying for a SIN is an essential step if you plan to work or take advantage of government benefits in Canada. SINs are used in the following situations:
- Work: All individuals who are legally working in Canada need a SIN. Employers will ask employees for their SIN in order to legally file taxes and record wages.
- Tax Return: The SIN is used to file taxes and report income. And Canada Revenue Agency keeps track of an individual’s tax history with SIN.
- Government Benefits: SIN is necessary information to apply for government benefits and services (such as employment insurance, pension plans, student loans, etc.).
- Create A Bank Account Number: Your SIN is usually required when creating any interest-bearing bank account.
Those who applied for SIN before April 2014 will receive a physical SIN card issued by the government. Now, physical cards will no longer be issued after the application is approved. Applicants can check their SIN numbers online through the official website of Service Canada.
Who Needs to Apply for a SIN?
- Canadian Citizens: Anyone who was born in Canada or becomes a citizen by naturalization.
- Permanent Residents: Anyone who holds permanent resident status.
- Temporary Residents: Temporary residents holding a valid work permit or study permit also need to apply for a SIN if they want to work legally in Canada.
What Application Materials Are Required?
Before you submit your application materials to the department, please make sure you have all the required supporting documents ready.
The documents required vary depending on your status. Here, most of you may be applying for a SIN card as an international student, a young specialist or an intern, that is to say as a temporary resident.
Attention:
- If you are applying in person or by mail, you can only submit original documents.
- If you apply online, you can submit electronic copies which must be clear, readable and complete, including the entire document, including borders.
Valid Primary Identity Document
✔️ For Canadian Temporary Residents:
- A work permit for foreign workers issued by IRCC or CIC;
- A study permit issued by IRCC or CIC indicating that the international student, the permit holder is authorized to work in Canada;
- A visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC, indicating you are authorized to work in Canada;
- (A diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.)
✔️ For Canadian Citizens:
- By Birth: A birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.
- By Naturalization: A certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC.
- By Indigenous origin: A certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977.
✔️ For Canadian Permanent Residents:
- A permanent resident card issued by Immigration, IRCC.
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC.
- Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002
Secondary Document
Secondary documents are official documents that confirm your identity. They must be valid and be issued by a Canadian government, or be a foreign passport.
The following information must be included in the document:
- Your Legal Name (family name and given name)
- Your Date of Birth
Other acceptable secondary documents:
- A Canadian or foreign passport
- A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- Any other Canadian government-issued ID
Supporting Document
A supporting document is a legal document stating the name you are currently using.
If the name on any of your primary documents does not match the SIN number you are applying for, you will need to provide a supporting document.
How Do You Apply for a SIN in Canada?
To make applying for a SIN number convenient for everyone, Service Canada accepts SIN applications online, in person, or by mail.
- Apply for a SIN Online: Visit Service Canada’s official website to submit the online application form and upload scanned copies of the required documents. Once your application is received, you will receive an email containing your SIN within 10 business days.
- Apply for a SIN in Person: Visit your nearest Service Canada Centre, bring all required original documents and complete your application on the spot.
- Apply for a SIN by Mail: Send your original valid documents to the Social Insurance Registration Office for verification. The address can be found on the Service Canada website.
Things to Note When Applying for a SIN
- If your identification documents are incomplete, they will not be accepted. Therefore, when you send original documents, make sure to use a safe and secure mailing service to protect your package.
- Applying for a SIN is completely FREE. If you come across anyone charging you a fee during the application process, don’t believe it!
- If you wish to have your Confirmation of SIN sent to a different address, Service Canada will only accept requests by mail. Once your application has been received and reviewed, you will receive a letter with your SIN in the mail at your new address within the next 20 business days.
- If you do not receive any response from the Service Canada office within the allotted time, after waiting five days, you may contact the office (by phone, mail or in person) to check the status of your SIN number application.
Top Choice for Your Accommodation in Canada
Now, as an international student or a young professional, you are about to start your new life after applying for a SIN. The next step is to find a place to settle down temporarily, then we recommend uhomes.com, a reliable platform that offers excellent services and many rooms for rent.
Step 1: In the search box, enter or select the city you want to live in, or the university you are about to attend. The system will match you with high-quality apartments near the school.
Step 2: Click to go to the city page/university page, here we use Toronto as an example.
On the left side of the page is a map tool that allows you through Drag & Drop to see information about prices, streets, transportation, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. across the city.
The right side of the page shows photos, prices and some feature tags of different apartments. If you are interested in an apartment, click it to go to the room page.
Step 3: The room page will show you all the details of the apartment, including photos, videos, VR and even live replays of the room, which we guarantee to be completely authentic!
Scroll down and you will see basic info, community amenities, floor plan, fees, house rules, location and other aspects. You can get a complete picture of the apartment before booking.
Step 4: If you really like the apartment, or you want to know more about a particular room, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our professional consultants will answer your questions and assist you in signing a lease agreement and moving into your ideal apartment!
If you’re thinking about studying in Canada, it’s crucial to find the right student housing. That’s where uhomes.com comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Hamilton and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
FAQs about SIN Application
Can international students get a SIN in Canada?
Yes, international students can apply for a SIN in Canada. You need a SIN number to apply for certain government programs, such as student loans and grants. If you plan to file taxes or work part-time while you study, a SIN is also required
How do I apply for a SIN for the first time?
You can apply for a SIN for the first time by following the steps mentioned above: in-person, online or by mail.
Can I get my SIN immediately?
Yes, you can get your SIN immediately, when you apply for a SIN in person at a Service Canada office. Don’t forget to bring all the original supporting documents。
What can I do with my SIN?
Having a SIN, you can:
- work in Canada
- file taxes
- apply for government programs
- apply for a credit card
- open a new bank account
