Social Insurance Number for temporary residents in Canada
To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Why you need a SIN
A SIN is a 9-digit number required to:
- work legally in Canada
- get paid and pay taxes
- access government programs like Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- file income taxes
Important information
- SINs issued to temporary residents always start with "9"
- Your SIN expires on the same date your work permit, study permit or visitor record expires
- Keep your SIN record up to date so it matches your current permit
- Your SIN is confidential and you are responsible for protecting it. See Protect your SIN to learn more
When to apply
You must apply for or update your SIN record if you:
- are legally authorized to work and you will be working
- need proof or confirmation of your SIN
- you receive a new permit with a new expiration date
- immigration status changes (for example, temporary resident to permanent resident)
- your legal name changes
- correcting an error
How to Apply
Step 1: Have your work permit, study permit or visitor record ready
You must provide your valid work permit, study permit or visitor record from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes you to work. Email messages from IRCC are not accepted.
If you are applying for someone else visit the Apply for a SIN section to find out what additional documents you will need.
Step 2: Gather your required documents
You must provide one secondary document that confirms your identity, such as a passport or government-issued driver's license.
If your current name does not match the name on your other documents, you will need to provide a supporting document. For details, see Required documents for SIN.
Step 3: Choose how to apply
- Online (fastest option)
- By mail:
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada - In person:
Find a Service Canada office near you
See Required documents for SIN for examples and translation requirements.
If you apply by mail, Service Canada will return your documents by mail once your application is complete.
Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
Apply onlineProcessing times
- Online: about 5 business days to view your SIN confirmation letter online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or before the SIN confirmation is mailed
- By mail: about 20 business days (you will receive a SIN confirmation letter by mail)
If you don't hear from us, see Application status and receiving your SIN.
Working with a temporary SIN
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 applied to extend your permit (maintained status), you can continue working with your expired SIN until IRCC makes a decision.
After extending your SIN, destroy your old SIN document. It is no longer valid.
Learn more about maintaining your status during permit processing.
Find your SIN
If you lost your SIN or need to confirm your number, visit Damaged, forgotten or lost SIN for more information.