How to Get a SIN in Canada as a Newcomer
In this guide
Quick answer: To get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada, apply to Service Canada online, by mail or in person. You need one primary identity document that matches your status (for example a work permit, or a Permanent Resident Card), a secondary ID such as a passport, and a signed application form. There is no fee. Online is the fastest option.
You need a SIN to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. It is one of the first documents to sort out after you land, together with opening a Canadian bank account. The full sequence is in our first 90 days in a new country guide.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 12 or older can apply for their own SIN. A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child under the age of majority in their province or territory. A legal guardian or representative can apply for adults in their care. If you already know your SIN, you do not need to apply again: you can view and print it through My Service Canada Account. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.
Which documents do you need?
All documents must be valid, clear, legible and complete, in English or French, or translated. Online applications need digital copies of the originals.
| Your status | Primary identity document (choose one) |
|---|---|
| Permanent resident | Permanent Resident Card; Confirmation of Permanent Residence (usable within one year of becoming a permanent resident); or Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002 |
| Temporary resident | Work permit; study permit stating you may accept employment or work; visitor record authorizing work; or diplomatic identity card with work authorization |
| Citizen | Provincial or territorial birth certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued before 1977 |
You also need:
- A secondary document if you have reached the age of majority: a passport, provincial or territorial ID or driver’s licence, or other Canadian government-issued ID showing your legal name and date of birth.
- A completed and signed SIN application form (NAS2120).
- Name change documents if your current legal name differs from your primary document, including each change if you changed it more than once.
How to apply
- Online. Use the Service Canada online application. This is the fastest option.
- By mail. Send your application to the Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Your documents are returned by mail, and Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
- In person. Visit a Service Canada Centre; you can request an appointment online. If everything is in order, you receive your SIN during the visit and keep your documents.
What does a SIN starting with 9 mean?
A SIN that starts with 9 is a temporary SIN. To extend it, apply with your current immigration documents. The expiry date on your SIN record must match the expiry date on your immigration document. If your SIN has expired, you may keep working while you wait for your new immigration document, as long as you maintain your status during processing. Once IRCC authorizes you to keep working, apply to Service Canada with your new document to update the SIN expiry date.
Does it cost anything?
No. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.
Common mistakes
- Missing a document. You cannot edit a submitted application. If you make a mistake or forget a document, you must submit a new application with everything included.
- Mismatched names. Include proof of any name change.
- Letting a temporary SIN lapse. Watch the expiry date and update it when your permit is renewed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a SIN?
Service Canada’s page does not state processing times. In person, you can receive your SIN during the visit if your application is in order.
Can I work before I get my SIN?
Check with your employer and Service Canada. Apply as early as you can after arrival.
What else do newcomers set up?
Many people also set up banking, a credit file and housing. See our documents checklist for moving abroad for what to carry with you, and read how credit scores work in Canada.
Key takeaways
- Applying is free; online is fastest.
- Bring a primary ID for your status plus a secondary ID.
- A SIN starting with 9 is temporary and tied to your permit’s expiry.
Related guides
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- How to open a Canadian bank account as a newcomer
- Credit scores in Canada for newcomers
- Documents you need to move abroad
- The moving abroad checklist
This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with Service Canada. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- Government of Canada / Service Canada: Apply for a Social Insurance Number