Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada

A 9-digit number from Service Canada that you need to work in Canada or to get government programs and benefits. You can apply online, by mail or in person.

Program in Canada-wide. Newcomers

When: Apply any time. If your application is complete, online takes about 5 business days and mail takes about 20 business days. In person, you get your SIN during your visit if everything is in order. Service Canada cannot give you your SIN over the phone.

How to reach them

1. Go to their application form.
2. Say who you are and what you are offering or asking.
3. Come back here and tell us if they answered.

Other ways, if that one is quiet

• PhoneGo to the phone line
  It workedNo answer

• Request an in-person appointment at a Service Canada Centre (a representative calls you within 2 business days)Request an in-person appointment at a Service Canada Centre (a representative calls you within 2 business days)
  It workedNo answer

• PhoneCall 1-866-274-6627
  It workedNo answer

Where else they are

Their website is canada.ca/.../sin.html.

Good to know

• For whomCanadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who are allowed to work in Canada (a work permit or study permit that says you may work or may accept employment, or a visitor record that says you are authorized to work); anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN, and a parent or legal guardian can apply for a child. A SIN for a temporary resident starts with 9 and expires on the same date as your permit or visitor record.
• CostFree
• LanguagesEnglish, French
• Their stepsGet your documents ready: one primary document that proves your status (for example a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, PR card, COPR, or a work or study permit) and one valid secondary ID with your full name and date of birth, such as a passport or driver's licence. Documents not in English or French must be translated. Fastest: apply online at sin-nas.canada.ca and upload clear digital copies of both sides of each document, showing the whole document. Or go to a Service Canada Centre with your original documents. You can ask for an appointment with the online service request form. If everything is in order, you get your SIN during your visit. Or mail form NAS2120 with your original documents to Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Your documents are mailed back to you.

We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.