Social Insurance Number (SIN): how newcomers apply and protect it

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026

In short: You need a SIN to work in Canada and to get government programs and benefits. Applying is free. You can apply online, by mail or in person. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.

Source unless noted: Service Canada, Apply for a SIN.

Who can apply

• Anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN.
• A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child under the age of majority.
• If you already know your SIN, you don't need to apply. You can view and print it in My Service Canada Account.

Documents you need

Service Canada's tool on the apply page lists exactly what your situation needs. Documents must be valid (not expired), complete and legible, and in English or French. If yours aren't, the page explains its translation requirements.

Permanent residents: one of:

• your PR card
• your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Service Canada accepts the COPR only within one year of becoming a permanent resident. After that, you need your PR card.

Temporary residents: one of:

• a work permit
• a study permit that says you "may accept employment" or "may work" in Canada
• a visitor record showing you're authorized to work in Canada

Adults also need a secondary ID showing your legal name and date of birth, such as a passport (Canadian or foreign) or a Canadian provincial or territorial ID or driver's licence.

Three ways to apply

• Online: Service Canada says this is faster. If you make a mistake or forget a document, you can't edit the application. You have to submit a new one with all documents.
• By mail: send it to Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Your documents are mailed back once your application is complete. Service Canada says it isn't responsible for documents lost in the mail.
• In person at a Service Canada Centre. Request an appointment through the online service request form. If everything is in order, you get your SIN during the visit and keep your documents.

There's no fee to apply.

Temporary SINs (starting with 9)

If you're a temporary resident, your SIN starts with 9 and has an expiry date. When IRCC extends your permission to work, apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document. The expiry date on your SIN record and on your immigration document must match.

If your SIN expires while you're waiting for a new immigration document, Service Canada says you may keep working as long as you maintain your status during processing.

Protect your SIN

Source: Service Canada, Protect your Social Insurance Number

Service Canada warns that a stolen SIN can lead to identity theft, damage to your credit rating, lost benefits or tax refunds, or tax bills for income you never earned.

When you have to give it: to your employer once you're hired, to financial institutions that report interest or dividends for tax, and to government programs.

When you don't have to give it, according to Service Canada:

• a job application
• applying for a credit card, mortgage or line of credit, or cashing a cheque
• renting a home (application or lease)
• signing up for phone, internet or cable. The exception is Hydro-Québec, which must collect it by provincial law.
• renting a car
• a medical history questionnaire
• applying to college or university
• requesting your credit report

Service Canada says you can't be denied a product or service for refusing to give your SIN when it isn't legally required. If that happens, talk to the person in charge first. If that doesn't work, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Everyday tips from Service Canada:

• don't carry your SIN in your wallet or use it as ID
• store documents with your SIN somewhere secure, and shred them before you throw them out
• never give your SIN by phone unless you made the call and know it's legally required
• be wary of calls, texts or emails claiming your SIN is "compromised", "locked" or needs replacing. These are scam tactics.

More on scams: IRCC, Fraud targeting newcomers