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听 听Service Canada
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work (and get paid) in Canada.
Detailed information about the SIN is on the website.听
When do I apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
Employers must ask for the SIN听of all new employees as soon as they are hired. You may apply for a SIN before you start working or up to three days after your start date. A SIN听is also required for taxation purposes.
How do I get a SIN?
We suggest that you apply online through the .
You can also apply for your SIN in person at your nearest Service Canada centre () or There is no charge for first-time applications.
Please visit the SIN page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.
Employment & Development Canada has a helpline specifically for SIN numbers at 1-800-206-7218 (option #3); contact info for .
Other useful links:
- Service Canada also has information about听SIN numbers for that begin with 鈥�9.鈥�
What documents do I need to get a SIN?听
A valid study permit听with at least one of the following conditions/remarks:
- May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies
- May work 20 hrs off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR **
- May accept employment on or off-campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria
If your study permit does not have one of the above conditions or remarks, you must submit a to your study permit before you can apply for a SIN. There is no fee for this request. The Request to Amend can only be submitted by mail and according to the Immigration Canada听website, the current for amendments is 20 weeks.听Please make sure to include a copy of your original admission letter and proof of enrolment when applying for the amendment.
**
听Students are ineligible if any of the following apply:
- They are registered in a general interest program
The SIN will begin with the number "9". Your SIN expires on the date indicated in the 鈥渆xpires on鈥� field of the letter. This expiry date is based on the Immigration Canada听document that authorizes you to work in Canada.
What if I have maintained听status and am eligible to work, but I don't have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) yet (or my SIN has expired)?
- If you're extending your status as a Student, you can legally continue to work under the same conditions as a student. If you've , you can continue to work on your expired SIN until it is renewed. If you have, Service Canada will not issue one until you have your new Study Permit, however, you may be able to work - please see an advisor at ISS for more information.
- If you've applied for your Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP) before your Study Permit expired, you can legally work while waiting for your PGWP if you meet . If you've previously had a SIN, you can continue to work on your expired SIN until it is renewed. If you have never had a SIN, Service Canada will not issue one until you have your PGWP, however, you may be able to work - please see an advisor at ISS for more information.
Where to get a SIN:
- By applying !听
- By In-Person听
For other locations, call 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232), or use
- Or by mailing your application to Service Canada
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada
If you submit your application by mail, they will return your documents by mail once your application is complete. Service Canada is听not responsible听for documents lost in the mail.
Please visit the SIN听听page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.