Getting a Social Insurance Number

Overview

Getting a Social Insurance Number

A Social Insurance Number is a confidential nine-digit number used for work, tax and benefit administration. It does not grant work authorization; the underlying immigration document must already permit employment.

Apply through Service Canada

Applications can be made online, by mail or in person with accepted primary identity and status documents. Temporary residents usually receive a SIN beginning with 9 and an expiry tied to immigration authorization.

Use the name exactly as shown on the primary document.

Update temporary SIN records

After a work permit extension or new permanent residence, update Service Canada so the SIN record reflects the new expiry or status. The number itself usually remains the same.

Maintained-status workers should retain IRCC proof for the employer.

Share the number only when required

An employer needs the SIN after hiring for payroll, and financial institutions may need it for interest-reporting accounts. A landlord, job recruiter or ordinary credit-card application generally should not demand it.

Do not use the SIN as everyday identification.

Respond to suspected misuse

Review credit reports, tax accounts and employment records and report identity theft to relevant institutions and police. Service Canada does not issue a new SIN solely because a card or letter was lost.

Store the confirmation securely rather than carrying it.