Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Employers must ask for the SIN 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 is also required for taxation purposes.

We suggest that you apply online through the Service Canada website.

You can also apply for your SIN in person at your nearest Service Canada centre (by appointment) or by mail. There is no charge for first-time applications.

Please visit the SIN required documents 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 Employment & Development Canada.

Other useful links:

• General information on applying for a SIN
• Service Canada also has information about SIN numbers for temporary residents that begin with ‘9.’

A valid study permit 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 request for an amendment 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 website, the current processing time for amendments is 20 weeks. Please make sure to include a copy of your original admission letter and proof of enrolment when applying for the amendment.

** Ineligible programs of study

 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 “expires on” field of the letter. This expiry date is based on the Immigration Canada document that authorizes you to work in Canada.

1. 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 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 new Study Permit, however, you may be able to work - please see an advisor at ISS for more information.
2. 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 certain requirements. 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.