Moving to Canada means you'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work legally and access government programs. Canada's government will launch the SIN@Entry program in 2025-2026 that integrates SIN applications with your immigration process (cutting in-person visits by up to 50%). Until then, you have three application methods, each with different processing times.
What is a SIN?
Your SIN is a 9-digit number that links your work and benefits to your identity for tax purposes. Service Canada processes online applications within 5 business days, and starting fall 2025, the enhanced eSIN system will reduce that to around 5 minutes.
Who needs one? Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents all require a SIN. Children aged 12 and older can apply themselves, while parents or legal guardians can apply for children under the age of majority.
Why do you need a SIN?
No SIN, no job. Your employer needs this number to report your income to the Canada Revenue Agency. You also can't access government programs like Employment Insurance or contribute to retirement accounts without it. Children may need a SIN for Registered Education Savings Plan (RESPs) and related education benefits like the Canada Education Savings Grant (even if they're not working yet).
How do you get a SIN?
Processing times vary significantly by method. Online applications take 5 business days while mail submissions take around 20 business days (nearly four times longer). If you're already in Canada with digital copies of your documents, the online route is your fastest choice.
Apply online
Use the official Service Canada portal to submit your application digitally. After your application is processed, you'll be able to view and print your SIN through your My Service Canada Account (starting May 2025, you'll also receive a digital PDF confirmation letter).
Here's what you'll need:
- Primary proof of identity (work permit, study permit, or permanent residence confirmation)
- Secondary proof of identity (passport or provincial ID)
- Documents as listed in the official requirements tool (proof of address may be requested depending on your situation)
Fill all required fields carefully since you can't go back to edit. If you spot an error after submitting, contact Service Canada for guidance (you may need to submit a new application with all documents again). There's no fee for any application method.
Apply by mail
Mail applications take around 20 business days because of manual processing. You'll need to send original documents, and Service Canada isn't responsible if they're lost in transit (a real risk worth considering).
- Download and print the SIN application form from the official website
- Complete all fields with accurate information
- Gather original proofs of identity (no photocopies accepted)
- Mail everything to: Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst, NB E2A 4T1 Canada
Your documents and SIN will be returned by mail. If you haven't received anything after 25 business days, contact the SIN Program for an update.
Apply in-person
In-person applications give you instant results when your documents validate on the spot. If they can't validate locally, your application goes to SIN headquarters and takes up to 30 days (plus mailing time).
- Book an appointment at your nearest Service Canada Centre using their online request form.
- Bring original copies of primary and secondary identity proofs (not photocopies)
- Bring documents listed by the official tool (proof of address if requested)
Some airports (Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, Vancouver, Halifax Stanfield, Calgary, Edmonton) have Service Canada centres where you can apply upon arrival during peak travel seasons. Check operating hours before your flight lands since they're not open 24/7.
Do you want to Renew your social insurance number
Can you start working before receiving your SIN?
Yes, but with a timeline. You can begin work after applying, even without your physical SIN confirmation. The government asks you to apply within 3 days after starting employment, and your employer will collect your number once you receive it.
How do you protect your SIN from identity theft?
Identity theft occurred at a rate of around 18 per 100,000 Canadian residents in 202,1, according to Statistics Canada (the latest data available). Your SIN is valuable to criminals since someone with your number can open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or apply for government benefits in your name.
Service Canada and the Privacy Commissioner recommend that you to never carry your SIN card or confirmation letter in your wallet (store them in a locked cabinet or password-protected device instead). Moreover, you should only provide your SIN when legally required (employers, banks for interest-earning accounts, and government agencies)
Also, never share your SIN over the phone unless you initiated the call and know it's legally required — and shred documents containing your SIN before recycling them. Your SIN isn't an ID document. Use your passport, driver's license, or health card for identification instead.
What if you've lost your SIN?
You can view and print your SIN through your My Service Canada Account if you've set one up. Otherwise, check your tax returns, RRSP files, T4 slips, or employment records.
Your employer definitely has it on file. If your SIN was compromised in a data breach or used fraudulently, Service Canada may issue a new number with proof of fraud, though this isn't recommended.
Having multiple SINs actually increases fraud risk because your old number doesn't disappear (better to monitor your credit and report fraud directly to affected programs) and also protect your SIN number
Do banks require a SIN to open an account?
Banks will ask for your SIN, but you're not legally required to provide it for basic accounts. You can decline and offer alternative identification. However, banks need your SIN for interest-bearing accounts because they must report this income to the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes.
