Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your SIN connects you to taxes, employment, and federal programs. Without it, no employer can legally pay you.

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Why

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• Work legally in Canada.
• Be paid correctly by your employer.
• Access certain federal services and tax credits.

How

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1. Check that your status or permit is valid.
2. Gather the required original documents (passport, permit, proof of address).
3. Find a nearby Service Canada Centre.
4. Go in person if possible (often faster than online).
5. Follow the instructions and verify all information before leaving.
6. Store your SIN safely and never share it in messages or on social media.

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• Passport
• Valid study or work permit (or other status document)
• Proof of Canadian address (if required)

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• Paying someone to “get the SIN for you” (it is free).
• Sharing your SIN by phone, SMS, email, or messaging apps.
• Filling in non‑official forms on suspicious websites.
• Believing paid services that promise a faster SIN.
• Giving your SIN to anyone “just to check” your identity.

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• Go early in the morning to reduce waiting time.
• Keep a secure copy of your documents, but never store your SIN in plain text.
• Only provide your SIN when it is strictly necessary (employer, bank, authorities).
• If someone pressures you to give your SIN, stop and verify their identity.
• Note the date of your application and keep it with your important papers.

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