ISS is now located in Brown Bldg., Suite 4100.
Our office and phonelines will be closed Friday April 3, and Monday April 6.
ISS is open Mondays to Fridays, 10am - 4pm both in-person and virtually.
What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work (and get paid) in Canada.
- Your SIN is private and it is illegal for anyone else to use it.
- You can get a detailed overview about the SIN is on the Service Canada website.
- Your 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.
- Service Canada also has information about SIN numbers for temporary residents that begin with ‘9.’
When do I apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- It is best to apply for SIN number as soon as possible once you are in Canada.
- You may apply for a SIN before you start working or up to three days after your start date.
- Employers usually ask for the SIN of all new employees as soon as they are hired.
- A SIN is also required for taxation purposes.
What documents do I need to get a SIN?
- The required documents are:
- Valid study permit.
- Valid passport.
- Please visit the SIN required documents page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.
- Your study permit should have 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 24 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.
- Please make sure to include a copy of your original admission letter and proof of enrolment when applying for the amendment.
- You can refer to the IRCC website to check the current processing time for an amendment under "Amendment of Valid Temporary Resident Documents".
How to apply for a SIN?
- You can apply for SIN online, in-person, or by mail.
- We recommend going to the Service Canada website on applying or renewing SIN and selecting the mode of application to get detailed instructions on how to apply.
Online
- We suggest that you apply online through the Service Canada website.
In-person
- You can apply for your SIN in person at your nearest Service Canada centre by appointment
- There is no charge for first-time applications.
- You call also 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232), or use Service Canada's online locator to find a location nearest to you.
- Employment & Development Canada has a helpline specifically for SIN numbers at 1-800-206-7218 (option #3); contact info for Employment & Development Canada.
By Mail
- You can apply for a SIN by mailing your application to Service Canada.
- The address to send your application to is as follows:
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 not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
What if I have maintained 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 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.
- 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.