Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is assigned to Canadian citizens, as well as all Canadian residents, whether they be temporary or permanent residents, to work in Canada. If you’re eligible for benefits from the Canadian government, you will also require a SIN number to receive these services. Your employer will also require your SIN number.

What is a Social Insurance Number

What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) has a relatively simple answer. Your SIN is a critical piece of information that may be used to get more of your personal information and compromise your privacy. To receive government benefits, you must have your SIN. The usage, abuse, and misuse of the SIN may have an impact on the administration of federal and provincial programs, as well as private-sector activities.

When a SIN is not linked to the rightful owner, the incorrect person may receive government benefits, services, tax refunds, or bank credits. As a Canadian Resident, you will need one to live and work in Canada.

Furthermore, sensitive personal information may be disclosed to unauthorized individuals, leading to identity theft and other sorts of fraud. To avoid fraud and keep your personal information private, you must keep your SIN safe from unauthorized usage.

There are various important things you ought to remember about your SIN:

1. You can be asked to provide your SIN, but make sure you understand why it is being asked for. In no way are you required by law to provide it.
2. You will only get one SIN and applying for a second if you’ve lost yours will not cancel your first.
3. It is a valuable piece of information and should be kept private.
4. It is not a type of ID.
5. It is a 9-digit number.
6. You are responsible for keeping it safe.
7. Using someone else’s SIN is considered fraud.
8. The governing authority that's responsible for issuing this number to you is called Service Canada.

Requirements

Supply the following information with your application for a SIN Number. All documentation must be translated into English or French.

ID document

You can apply for a SIN using your PR card if you have one, your Canadian ID, A driver’s licence, birth certificate, work permit, study permit or a Passport.

Proof of Address

Proof of address must confirm where you live. Your name must appear on it. It can be a document or letter signed by a government, company or landlord (any authorized body.

How do I Apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Applying Online

You can apply online, by mail or by appointment and there is no fee. It is simple to apply online. 

Step 1: Submit a SIN Application Online 

You can apply for SIN on the government of Canada's website, utilizing SIN online in a safe and secure environment.

Step 2: Upload Digital Copies of Your Papers

Please review the “What do you need before applying” page to ensure you have all of the necessary paperwork on hand before applying.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you've covered uploaded all of the documents from the SIN Required Documents list, you can submit your application. Service Canada will send you a Confirmation of the SIN letter once your application has been processed.

Applying by Mail

You may also obtain your SIN by mail. If you select this option, you must submit a completed SIN application form together with your original papers. Once your application has been processed, your original papers will be returned.

Applying by Appointment

If, for whatever reason, you require an in-person application for a SIN. You can fill out a service request form and an officer will contact you to set up an appointment.

Protecting your SIN

As we mentioned before it’s your responsibility as a Canadian resident to protect your SIN by never leaving it in a public place. Service Canada also safeguards your SIN by safely preserving personal information in computer systems that are only available to authorized workers. Personal information requested to apply for a SIN is stored in the Social Insurance Register by Service Canada. This data set includes your name, date of birth, and place of birth, as well as the names of your parents. The National Register also includes death dates.

When Do I Use a SIN?

These are the ways you will usually use a SIN:

• When you are hired at a job, your employer can ask you for your SIN, especially for a credit check
• You’ll have to provide your SIN when completing your income tax information
• You’ll have to provide your SIN when you open a bank account
• Pay taxes
• To benefit from government services like free healthcare or education, you’ll need to provide your SIN

FAQs

What is the SIN Processing time?

Online/paper applications might take up to 25 business days to be processed. Be aware that COVID-19 can influence processing speeds and create delays.

Why is a SIN such an important part of my personal information and privacy?

Your SIN might be used to commit the following crimes if it falls into the wrong hands: a breach of privacy, identity theft, and the loss of government subsidies, tax refunds, or bank credit.

It is possible that if someone uses your SIN to perpetrate fraud, it will harm your credit rating. Someone else might use your Social Security number to work illegally. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask you to pay income tax you did not earn in this circumstance.

Why Do I need a SIN?

Every individual in Canada who wants to live and work in Canada in an insurable or pensionable job must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Employers are obligated by law to seek your SIN three days following the start of your work. If you do not already have a SIN when you begin working, you must apply for one, submit documentation of your application to your employer, and notify your employer of your SIN within three days of receiving it.

Get Started on The Right Foot

Now that you know what is a Social insurance number, why you need one and how to get one, you're one step closer to starting a great new life in Canada. If you're still unsure as to how to set up your social insurance number, click the button below to talk to a Regulated Canadian Immigration consultant who can help you set up your SIN and make sure there are no issues in your application process.