How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for work in Canada
Checked against official sources on . Covers: Canada. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents with permission to work.
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. Applying is free. The fastest way is online at sin-nas.canada.ca, where Service Canada says temporary residents can usually see their SIN letter in about 5 business days. You can also apply in person at a Service Canada Centre and leave with your number if your documents are in order. Give your SIN to your employer within 3 days of starting work, not on a job application.
What a SIN is and when you need it
A SIN is a 9-digit number you need to work in Canada and to get government programs and benefits. Keep it private. It is illegal for anyone else to use your SIN. Service Canada
You do not need to give it when you apply for a job. Your employer needs it after you are hired. Service Canada
- Give your SIN to your employer within 3 days of your first day of work.
- If you do not have one yet, apply, then give it to your employer within 3 days of receiving it.
Who can apply
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Your SIN is permanent and does not expire.
- Temporary residents with a work permit, or a study permit that lets you work. Your SIN starts with 9 and expires with your permit.
- Anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN. A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child.
Documents you need
Bring one primary document. Adults also bring a secondary ID. Documents must be valid originals (or clear digital copies when applying online), in English or French. If the name differs between your documents, add a name-change document, such as a marriage certificate. Service Canada
| Your status | Primary document (one of) |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizen | Provincial or territorial birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship, or a registration of birth abroad issued before 1977 |
| Permanent resident | PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (accepted within one year of landing), or a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002 |
| Temporary resident | Work permit, study permit that says you may work, or a visitor record showing you are allowed to work. An email from IRCC is not accepted. |
Secondary ID for adults: a passport, a provincial or territorial driver's licence or ID card, or other Canadian government ID. Service Canada
If you make a mistake or miss a document, you must send a new application with all documents. You cannot fix the old one. Service Canada
How to apply
Online (fastest)
- Go to sin-nas.canada.ca.
- Choose your situation and upload clear photos or scans of your documents.
- Submit. For temporary residents, Service Canada says the SIN letter is usually ready in about 5 business days in My Service Canada Account, or mailed.
In person
Request an appointment at a Service Canada Centre with the online service request form. If everything is in order, you get your SIN during the visit and keep your documents.
By mail
Send the completed application form (NAS2120) and your documents to Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Service Canada gives about 20 business days for temporary residents. Your original documents come back by mail.
Service Canada: apply · Processing times for temporary residents
Temporary residents: SINs starting with 9
- Your SIN starts with 9 and expires on the same day as your work permit, study permit or visitor record.
- When you get a new permit, update your SIN record.
- If your SIN expires while your permit extension is waiting at IRCC, you can keep working with it until IRCC decides.
- Service Canada says you can start working as soon as you apply for a SIN.
When you do not have to give your SIN
Employers, banks and government can ask for your SIN. You do not have to give it to:
- Fill out a job application
- Rent a home
- Apply for credit, a mortgage or a line of credit, or cash a cheque
- Sign up for phone, internet or cable (Hydro-Québec is an exception under Quebec law)
- Rent a car, fill out a medical history form, write a will or apply to college or university
You cannot be refused a product or service for not giving your SIN when the law does not require it. Never give it by phone unless you made the call. Service Canada
If you lose your SIN or it is stolen
Lost or forgotten: find it in My Service Canada Account, or on a tax return, T4 slip or Record of Employment. If you cannot find it, apply for a Confirmation of SIN. You keep the same number. Service Canada
Stolen or misused:
- Check your credit reports with Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980). Consider a fraud alert.
- File a police report.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
- Tell your bank, your creditors and any government program the SIN was used for.
A new SIN is only issued with proof of fraudulent use, and it is not guaranteed. Service Canada
Common questions
Do I need a SIN before I apply for jobs?
No. You do not have to give a SIN on a job application. Your employer needs it after you are hired. Source
How soon must I give my SIN to a new employer?
Within 3 days of your first day of work. If you do not have one yet, apply and give it within 3 days of receiving it. Source
How much does a SIN cost?
Nothing. There is no fee to apply. Source
How long does it take to get a SIN?
For temporary residents, Service Canada gives about 5 business days online and about 20 business days by mail. In person, you get it during your visit if your documents are in order. Source
Can I start working before my SIN arrives?
Service Canada says temporary residents can start working as soon as they apply. Give the number to your employer within 3 days of receiving it. Source
Why does my SIN start with 9?
SINs for temporary residents always start with 9. They expire with your permit. Source
My SIN expired but my permit extension is still being processed. Can I keep working?
Yes, until IRCC makes a decision. Then update your SIN record with your new permit. Source
Will I get a plastic SIN card?
No. Service Canada now issues a paper or digital confirmation letter. Old plastic cards are still valid. Source
I lost my SIN. Do I need a new number?
No. Find it in My Service Canada Account or on a tax slip, or apply for a Confirmation of SIN. A new number is only issued for proven fraud. Source
Can a landlord make me give my SIN?
No. You do not have to give your SIN to rent a home, and you cannot be refused for saying no when the law does not require it. Source
Sources
Official government pages, checked November 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on the source before you act.