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.
You may apply in person, this is a good option to support clients who face barriers to accessing SIN online. Depending on your region, your local Service Canada office may not be open every day. Find out when your local Service Canada Centre is open before you visit. 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.
Your SIN is confidential (private). It has important information about you. Learn how to protect your SIN. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/protection.html
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