To get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you have to fill out an application. You also need to collect some documents to submit with your application.
To apply online you will need to upload copies of a few different documents:
If the name indicated on your primary or secondary document is different than the name you are currently using, you must also provide supporting documents.
To apply by mail you will need:
You will need to mail your completed application form and original documents (photocopies are not accepted) to the Social Insurance Registration Office.
If you send your application by registered mail, your document(s) will be returned to you in the same way. Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
Once you have submitted your application, the legislation does not prevent you from working in insurable employment before you receive your SIN.
COVID-19 NOTE: Service Canada Centres are gradually reopening to help serve most people within 100 km of where they live and to support clients who face barriers to accessing SIN online. You can request an appointment using the online service request form.
If you meet all the requirements, you can get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) the day you hand in the application. Service Canada no longer provides plastic SIN cards. There is no application fee for your first SIN.
If you are eligible to work in Canada, you can get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
This includes:
If you are a refugee claimant or a temporary resident, you will get a SIN with an expiration date. These SINs start with 9.
