What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

Categories: SIN Card & Documents 

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9 digit number issued by the Canadian government that allows you to work in Canada. The number is used to identify people who work in Canada, pay taxes and use government services. You will need a SIN if you want to work in Alberta or anywhere else in Canada.

You must have a SIN in order to work in Canada. It is illegal for anybody to employ you without a SIN. By law, employers must ask you for your SIN and a Canadian status document within 3 working days of the date you start your employment. A Canadian status document is a document which proves that you are authorized to work in Canada. This can be a Canadian birth certificate, Permanent Residence card, citizenship card, or your passport with you work permit in it.

If you are a new arrival in Canada, applying for your SIN should be one of the first things you do.

You should never share your SIN with anybody other than your employer or other people who need to pay you, such as your bank or credit union. It is illegal for anybody who does not need your SIN to ask you for it.

SIN numbers are issued on plastic wallet-sized cards, usually called a SIN card. However, it is important to note that a SIN card is not an identity document and cannot be used as identification. While you need a SIN to work in Canada, it is not a work visa or permit. All new SIN cards have this warning printed on the back: This is not an identity card. This card is not an authorization to work in Canada.

How to apply for your SIN

Click here to get the SIN application form online. Once you fill it out, you will need to review the documents required. It is always a good idea to make copies of your documents and your application.

Follow the instructions on the form regarding the fees and where to send it. You can submit your application by post or in person.

Documents you will need

All documents must be originals. Submitting copies will likely result in your Sin application being rejected.

Canadian citizens can use one or more of the following documents:

  • Canadian Birth Certificate
  • Canadian Citizenship Certificate

Permanent Residents can use one or more of the following documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Permanent Residence visa counterfoil in passport

Temporary Workers can use one or more of the following documents:

2 Responses on “What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?”

  1. Cecilia on July 2nd, 2008

    Can you use your Health Care card or baptismal certificate for a document of proof you are a canadian citizen.

  2. jen on July 5th, 2008

    Hi,

    I want to ask you a question.
    Why do we need to provide SIN when applying for Student loan?

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