SIN Application Canada 2026 — Get Your Social Insurance Number

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential for working, receiving government benefits, and tax filing in Canada. New PRs, work permit holders, and students need SIN before starting employment. This page covers in-person + online application options + what to bring.

Who needs a SIN

• Permanent residents — issued automatically with PR-eligible SIN on landing
• Work permit holders — needed before starting employment
• Study permit holders with off-campus work authorization (most full-time students)
• Anyone receiving government benefits (CCB, EI, OAS, GIS, etc.)
• Anyone filing Canadian taxes

Two application methods

Option 1: In-person at Service Canada (fastest)

1. Find Service Canada office near you (canada.ca/find-service-canada)
2. Walk in (no appointment typically needed)
3. Complete short application form
4. Officer verifies documents
5. SIN issued same day on paper

Average wait time: 30-90 minutes. SIN issued on the spot.

Option 2: Airport Service Canada (landing day for new PRs)

Major airports have Service Canada counters in arrivals area (post-CBSA processing):

• Toronto Pearson (Terminals 1 + 3)
• Vancouver YVR
• Montreal YUL
• Calgary YYC
• Edmonton YEG (some hours)

Apply on landing day with COPR + passport. SIN issued same day. See Landing at Pearson.

Option 3: Online via Service Canada portal

1. Visit canada.ca → Service Canada SIN application
2. Create or sign in to your account
3. Complete online form
4. Upload scanned copies of ID + status documents
5. Submit + wait 5-15 business days for SIN by mail

What to bring (in-person)

For new PRs (landing day or after)

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) — original
• Passport — original
• If married + name change: marriage certificate

For PR card holders (post-landing)

• PR card — original
• Passport — original

For work permit holders

• Work permit — original
• Passport — original

For study permit holders

• Study permit with off-campus work authorization — original
• Passport — original

What you receive

SIN is issued on paper (no plastic card since 2014). The paper confirmation has your SIN + name + date of issue. Keep this safe — it's your only original copy. Don't carry it in wallet daily (theft risk).

Using your SIN

• Provide to employer when starting work — they need it for payroll + T4 reporting
• Provide to CRA when filing taxes
• Provide to banks for opening accounts (T5 reporting)
• Provide for government benefits (CCB, EI, OAS)
• DO NOT provide for: retail/store discount cards, casual transactions, anywhere not legally required

Temporary vs permanent SIN

• SINs starting with '9' = temporary residents (work permit, study permit). Expires when permit expires. Renew if status renewed.
• SINs starting with 1-7 = permanent residents + citizens. No expiry.

When temporary resident becomes PR, they apply for new PR-eligible SIN. Submit new application with COPR/PR card.

SIN security + identity theft prevention

• Memorize your SIN; don't carry the paper confirmation in your wallet
• NEVER share SIN with people calling you (scams target newcomers)
• NEVER provide SIN for online transactions (employment legitimate after onboarding only)
• Report lost/stolen SIN to Service Canada immediately
• Monitor credit reports (Equifax + TransUnion) for unauthorized accounts

Common SIN application mistakes

• Bringing photocopies instead of originals — rejected
• Waiting weeks after landing — delays employment + bank opening
• Not applying for new SIN after becoming PR (still using temporary '9' SIN)
• Sharing SIN with non-essential parties

FAQ

Related: First 30 days in Canada · Landing at Pearson · Newcomer tax filing