The Social Insurance Number (SIN) was introduced in Canada as a form of identification and to register people with Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.  The Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number used in the administration of the above government programs. 

If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.

Documentation Required

You will need to provide a primary and supporting document to apply for a Social Insurance Number.  Documents must be original; photocopies are not accepted. To determine which documents will be accepted based on your status in Canada, please visit Primary Documents.  If your documents are not in English of French, you will need to have them translated by a certified  translator.  

Toronto Pearson International Airport

If you are flying into Toronto's Pearson International Airport (YYZ), there is a Service Canada office in Terminal 1 and 3 where you can apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) during regular business hours.  

Ask for the Service  Canada office after you have received your work permit. 

Their hours of operation are:      Monday to Friday - 6am to 9pm (closed all statutory holidays)

** If you have the opportunity to obtain your SIN at the airport, we highly recommend you submit your application.  This is a great time saver as many Service Canada offices are experiencing long wait times**

If you are applying online, you must provide the following documents:

·  a digital copy of an original valid primary document (you must provide both sides of the document if there is identity information on each side)

·  a digital copy of an original valid secondary document

·  a digital copy of a proof of address

·  a digital copy of an original valid supporting document (only applicable if the name on your primary document is different from the name on your secondary document or than the name on your online SIN application form)

If you are applying online, digital copies of your documents must be clear and legible. If you wish to have the confirmation of SIN letter mailed to an address other than your own, you must apply by mail. 

Please note:  If there is an error in your online application, you will be notified by MAIL.  This will delay your SIN application. 

Contact Information

If you have not received your SIN within 25 business days of applying by mail or within 15 business days of applying online and/or need your SIN urgently, please contact us at: 1-866-274-6627 (in Canada, toll-free) or 1-506-548-7961 (outside Canada, long-distance charges apply)

Phone (within Canada):   1-866-274-6627 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm local)

Phone (outside Canada):  1-506-548-7961 (Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:30pm Atlantic)

In person:   Find a Service Canada Centre Near You

            

Please note:

The Government of Canada has several security procedures for the processing of Social Insurance Number applications. Applications are chosen at random by their computer system and those applications must be submitted manually into the system.  This can delay the processing of the SIN application by up to 6 weeks.  If your application is flagged for this security screening, you will be provided detailed information on how to proceed.

            

Applications with errors on the application/documentation may also be subjected to additional security screening which may delay your SIN by up to 6 weeks.

Protecting your SIN

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is confidential.  Do not use it as identification or provide it for job

applications, rental applications, etc.  For more information, please visit:Protecting your SIN.