Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

What is a SIN?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada. You'll need it to:

• Start a job (every employer needs your SIN for payroll)
• File your taxes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Receive government benefits (Employment Insurance, Canada Child Benefit, OAS, CPP, GST/HST credit)
• Open accounts that earn interest at a bank

Are you eligible?

You can apply for a SIN if you're any of the following:

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Work-permit holder (your IRCC permit must be valid)
• Study-permit holder — your permit must say "may accept employment" or "may work in Canada"
• Refugee, protected person, or refugee claimant with a document authorizing work

If you're a temporary resident, your SIN will start with the digit 9 and have an expiry date matching your permit. When you renew your permit, you'll need to update your SIN at Service Canada too — otherwise employers can't pay you.

What to bring

You'll need two documents — one primary (proves status) and one secondary (confirms identity).

Heads up: documents must be originals. Photocopies aren't accepted. If a document isn't in English or French, you'll also need a certified translation.

How to apply — three options

Option 1: Online (fastest)

Apply through Service Canada's online SIN portal. Upload digital copies of your documents. You'll usually have your number within 5 business days, viewable in your My Service Canada Account. A paper confirmation letter follows by mail.

Option 2: In person at a Service Canada Centre

Bring your original documents. If everything is in order, you'll get your SIN the same visit. Going in the morning usually means a shorter wait. Some offices require an appointment — check the location page first.

Option 3: By mail

Use Form NAS-2120 plus your original documents. Mail to: Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Allow several weeks plus mail time. Service Canada returns your originals.

Service Canada Centres in Northern Ontario

City	Address
Thunder Bay	975 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay ON P7B 5Z8
Sudbury	19 Lisgar Street S, Greater Sudbury ON P3E 6L1
Sault Ste. Marie	22 Bay Street, 1st Floor, Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A 5S2
Timmins	120 Cedar Street South, Timmins ON P4N 2G8
North Bay	107 Shirreff Avenue, North Bay ON P1B 7K8

Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Confirm hours and appointment requirements at offices.service.canada.ca before going. Service Canada SIN line: 1-866-274-6627.

How much does it cost?

Free. There's no charge to apply for, replace, or update your SIN. If anyone asks for payment, it's a scam.

Common questions

What about my SIN card? Did I get a card?

No — Service Canada stopped issuing plastic SIN cards on March 31, 2014. You'll get a paper confirmation letter instead. Memorize the number, store the letter somewhere safe, and don't carry it around.

What if I lose my SIN letter?

Request a free replacement online (My Service Canada Account), in person, or by mail. The number itself doesn't change — you're just replacing the confirmation document.

Who's allowed to ask for my SIN?

You're required to share your SIN with:

• Your employer (for payroll / T4)
• The Canada Revenue Agency (for tax filing)
• Banks paying you interest (for T5 reporting)
• Federal benefit programs you've enrolled in

You're not required to give your SIN to landlords, gyms, retailers, cellphone or cable providers, dating sites, or schools (in most cases). You can refuse.

Last reviewed: April 2026. SIN rules occasionally change — confirm details on the official Service Canada SIN page before applying.