A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is one of the first things to sort out after you arrive in Canada. In Service Canada's words, it's the 9-digit number you need "to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits." Applying is free, and if you apply online with the right documents it usually takes about a week.
This guide covers who needs a SIN, the three ways to apply, the documents for permanent and temporary residents, and when you should (and shouldn't) hand your number over.
Last verified: October 10, 2026 against Service Canada's SIN pages. Service Canada updates its process from time to time, so check the official SIN page before you apply.
Who needs a SIN
You need a SIN to work legally in Canada, get paid and pay taxes, file your income taxes, and use programs like Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan. Permanent residents get a SIN as one of the benefits of PR status, and temporary residents whose permit lets them work can get one too.
Anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN. For younger children, a parent or legal guardian applies on their behalf.
Filing taxes matters later, too: if you plan to become a citizen, IRCC checks your tax filing history. Our tax filing eligibility checker shows how that rule works.
Permanent vs temporary residents: two kinds of SIN
Permanent residents get a SIN that is permanent and doesn't expire.
Temporary residents (work permit, study permit or visitor record holders) get a SIN that starts with "9" and expires with your immigration documents. Service Canada's page for temporary residents adds a few things worth knowing:
- Your SIN expires on the same date as your work permit, study permit or visitor record, so keep your SIN record up to date when your permit changes.
- You can start working as soon as you apply for a SIN; you don't need to wait for the number.
- If your SIN expires but you've applied to extend your permit (maintained status), you can keep working with your expired SIN until IRCC decides.
Three ways to apply
Service Canada offers three ways to apply: online, by mail, or in person. There is no fee for any of them.
Online is the fastest. You upload clear digital copies of your documents, showing both sides and the full document including the borders. Service Canada says online applications take about 5 business days if everything is complete. One catch: if you make a mistake or forget a document, you can't go back and fix it. You have to submit a new application with all the documents again.
By mail, you send your original documents to:
Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Office PO Box 7000 Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Mail applications take about 20 business days, and your documents come back by mail. Service Canada notes it isn't responsible for documents lost in the mail.
In person, you bring your original documents to a Service Canada Centre. If everything is in order, you get your SIN during your visit and you keep your documents. You can request an appointment through Service Canada's online service request form.
Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. If you already have one, it can still be used. Once your SIN is issued, you can view and print it by signing in to My Service Canada Account.
The documents you need
You need one primary document and one secondary document. The primary document proves your legal status in Canada; the secondary one confirms your identity.
Primary document for permanent residents (one of):
- Permanent resident card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that year, Service Canada requires the PR card.
- Record of Landing (issued before 2002)
Primary document for temporary residents (one of):
- A work or study permit that says you "may work" or "may accept employment" in Canada
- A visitor record that says you're authorized to work in Canada
- A diplomatic ID plus work authorization
Emails from IRCC aren't accepted as a primary document. If your study permit or visitor record doesn't mention your right to work, Service Canada says to contact IRCC about whether you can get an amended permit.
Secondary document (one of), which must be valid and show your full legal name and date of birth:
- A passport (Canadian or foreign)
- A Canadian driver's licence
- A provincial or territorial ID card
- Other Canadian government-issued ID
All documents must be valid (not expired) and in English or French. If you need a translation, family members can't translate your documents. If your name has changed, bring supporting documents for the change too.
Next on most newcomers' list is health coverage. Our health coverage by province tool shows your province's plan, any waiting period, and how to apply.
Protecting your SIN
Your SIN is private, and Service Canada is clear that you should only give it out when the law requires it. That's mainly three situations:
- Employment, but only after you're hired and start earning income
- Financial accounts
- Government services that need it
You don't have to give your SIN to fill out a job application, rent a home, apply for a credit card, mortgage or line of credit, sign up for phone, internet or cable (Hydro-Québec is the exception: provincial law requires it to collect the SIN), apply to college or university, or request a credit report. Service Canada says you can't be denied a product or service for refusing to give your SIN when it isn't legally required.
A few more rules from the same page:
- Your SIN confirmation letter (or old SIN card) isn't an identity document. Don't use your SIN as ID.
- Don't keep the letter or card in your wallet or bag.
- Never give your SIN over the phone unless you made the call and know it's legally required.
When you become a citizen
Service Canada's own rule of thumb is that your SIN stays the same unless your status changes. There's one firm requirement, in the Social Insurance Number Regulations: if your SIN starts with "9" and you later become a permanent resident or a citizen, you must notify Service Canada, which cancels the old number and gives you a new one.
If you already have a regular (non-"9") SIN as a permanent resident, your number stays the same. Service Canada lists a change of immigration status among the reasons to update your SIN record, and a citizenship certificate is an accepted document for Canadian citizens. Updating is free.
If citizenship is on your horizon, our eligibility checker shows when you'll meet the residence requirement, and what happens after you pass the citizenship test covers the oath and the steps after it.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to get a SIN?
No. Service Canada says there is no fee to apply for a SIN, whether you apply online, by mail or in person.
How long does it take to get a SIN?
About 5 business days online and about 20 business days by mail, if your application is complete. In person, you get your SIN during your visit if everything is in order.
Can I work before my SIN arrives?
Service Canada's page for temporary residents says you can start working as soon as you apply for a SIN; you don't need to wait for the number.
Does my SIN expire?
A permanent resident's SIN doesn't expire. A temporary resident's SIN starts with "9" and expires on the same date as their work permit, study permit or visitor record.
Can I use my Confirmation of Permanent Residence to apply?
Yes, within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that, Service Canada requires your permanent resident card.
Is my SIN letter a form of ID?
No. Service Canada says your SIN confirmation letter and SIN card aren't identity documents, and you shouldn't use your SIN as identification.