In To accept employment in Canada, you need a valid SIN. In order to accept employment in Canada, you need a valid SIN number. You also need it to access government services. To accept employment in Canada, you need a valid SIN. In order to accept employment in Canada, you need a valid SIN number. You also need it to access government programs and benefits. Often, SIN numbers are issued on paper and never expire. That said, there are also expired plastic cards. If you have a plastic card, it will need to be renewed before its expiry date.
If you received your SIN number after 2014, you likely don’t have a SIN card, just a SIN number. However, just because you don’t have a SIN card doesn’t mean you no longer have to renew your number. You’ll have to renew it whenever you apply for an SIN, and an expiration date will be provided.
What Your SIN Number Says About You
Your Social Insurance Number, also referred to as your SIN, is a 9-digit identifier. It’s used as a file number and account number for data processing reasons. This number is unique to you; no one else has it. It helps to identify you for tax purposes, pensions and credit history. This number is important, contains sensitive information, and is only meant for certain purposes. This means you have to be careful who you share it with.
To obtain insurable employment and file your income tax return in Canada, you need a SIN. You can apply for it when you turn 12 years old or when you immigrate to the country. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents all need a SIN number.
The main reason that everyone in Canada has a SIN number is to distinguish their identity. The 9-digit number puts you on the social insurance register, along with everyone else.
Finding Your SIN Number Online
If you’re not sure of your SIN number, it’s pretty simple to find online. All you need to do is sign in to your CRA My Account. If you aren’t registered for your CRA My Account or can’t get in, you can also find your SIN Number on your:
- Tax slips
- Income tax return
- Record of Employment
- RRSP contribution forms
You can also get a confirmation of your number by submitting an application to the CRA.
Applying For A SIN
There are a few different ways that you can apply for your SIN. One of these ways is to go to Service Canada. You can do this by filling out the online service request form and requesting an appointment. This can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency website. You can leave with your SIN number as long as you have everything you need at the appointment and everything is in order.
You can apply online if you don’t want to go to a Service Canada office. It’s pretty simple; all you really need to do is submit the required documents and then wait. You can also send them in by mail if you prefer not to go online. The required documentation depends on your individual situation and legal status in Canada. Whether you receive approval depends on whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
Applying for Someone Else
As a legal guardian or legal representative, you can apply for someone else’s SIN as well as your own SIN. Since it is a government agency, though, you will be required to provide all of the documentation proving you’re legally able to do so.
Getting a SIN with a Study Permit
If you’re an international student in Canada in a degree program with a study permit, you can get a SIN number if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Work off-campus or on-campus (as long as you’re meeting eligibility criteria)
- When you stop meeting the criteria, stop working
As a temporary resident studying in Canada, as long as you have a SIN, you can work without a work permit as long as you meet the criteria outlined in paragraph R186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Just like with foreign workers, this will be a temporary SIN number.
Getting a SIN is difficult if your study permit expires within 30 days. You would then need to apply for a study permit extension to obtain your SIN. Once you get an extended study permit, you can apply.
Checking Your SIN Number Status
Once you apply for your SIN, you can check your status. How long it takes for approval depends on how you apply. When you apply in person, you should be able to get your number right away; it’s different if you submit a hard copy or online application.
If you apply for your SIN number online, it should take only 5 business days from the time your application is received to be processed. If you provide an email address, you’ll receive an email when the application is received, another when it’s been processed, and a third if it doesn’t meet the requirements. If you haven’t received a decision after 10 business days, contact the SIN program directly.
When you apply vbymail, as long as everything is correct, it should be processed within 20 business days fof receipt If, after 25 business days, you haven’t received a letter or an update, that’s when you should contact the SIN program directly.
How to Renew
You may be wondering why you would have to renew your Social Insurance Number. Not everyone has to, though. The main reason that someone would have to renew their SIN number is if there is a legal change of their name or gender designation. You will also have to renew if your SIN number expires. These are the numbers that start with a 9.
Online
Renewing your SIN online is probably the easiest way to do so. It’s a pretty simple process and can be done on the Government of Canada website. You’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Proof of address
- A primary identity document that will prove your ID and Canadian citizenship status
- A second identity document
- A copy of an accepted supporting document
Once you’ve done that, all you have to do is wait for an update.
For Migrants and International Students
As an immigrant, you can apply and renew online, at your local Service Canada Centre, or through the mail. We’ve already gone over how to renew online, but how would you apply through Service Canada or the mail?
The process uses the same conditions and steps, but the documentation is slightly different. You must provide both a primary identity document and a supporting document. A secondary identity document is only required when you renew in person or online.
Valid Documents When Applying and Renewing
When you’re filling out your SIN application, you have to provide certain documents. You must provide the correct documents when you submit to get the fastest decision. Let’s take a look at what’s accepted.
| Document | Examples |
| Primary Identity Document | Birth Certificate, Canadian Citizenship Certificate, Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad |
| Secondary Document | Passport, Driver’s License, Canadian Provincial or Territorial ID Card, Government-issued Photo ID |
| Proof of Address | Bank Statement, Bill, Lease Agreement, Mortgage Statement, Credit Card Bill |
| Supporting Document | Legal documents stating: Legal Name Change Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Adoption Certificate, Request to Amend Record of Landing, Status Verification Document |
Temporary Resident SIN Number VS Permanent Resident SIN
While we have discussed that you need a SIN number as a temporary resident and as a permanent resident, we haven’t discussed how these SIN numbers differ. Well, as a temporary resident of Canada, your SIN will start with 9. This is different from the numbers for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.
To obtain a temporary resident SIN, you need to provide a valid work or study permit. It’s likely the government will want a copy of the original documents as well as any other relevant immigration documents. It’s important to keep this number as well and renew it when it expires.
When you get approved for your permanent resident card and get Canadian citizenship, you’ll then have to change your SIN. You do this by reapplying for your SIN number following the same process as before. You may need to provide new immigration documents and proof of your permanent residency. Once it’s verified that you meet the criteria outlined for approval, you’ll receive your new SIN number.
Do You Have to Renew?
What do you do if you’re working or attending school in Canada and your SIN is about to expire? Well, don’t worry; it’s pretty simple to reapply and continue working or studying. This applies to foreign workers and international students who have SIN numbers. Whether you’re a temporary or permanent worker, a number that expires will need to be renewed if you’re continuing to work.
Your SIN will expire based on the date provided on your immigration documents. These dates must match, so both will need to be renewed. You don’t have to worry, though. As long as you apply before the expiry date, you don’t have to cease working or going to school while you’re waiting for a decision. You must also remain in the country while this process is happening.
While the IRCC makes a decision, you’ll notice your status will change to maintained status (formerly known as implied status). Once the IRCC authorizes the renewal, you’ll receive your new immigration documents. With these new documents, you can apply to change the expiry date on your SIN card so the expiry dates will match. You will not receive a new SIN number; you will keep the same one.
You don’t always have to worry about renewing your SIN number. If you do, though, the process is relatively straightforward. If there’s no expiry date on your SIN number, then that number will stay with you for life. It’s usually students with valid study permits, temporary residents and those with post-graduation work permits who have to renew.
An Expired SIN Number
When your SIN expires, and you don’t renew it, this means you aren’t eligible to work in Canada anymore. You would have to reapply to resume your work permit. You’re still able to file your income tax return, though, if you haven’t already done so. If you have a SIN that will expire and intend to keep working, it’s recommended that you apply for an extension before your expiry date.
Do All SINs Expire?
Many Canadians don’t really have to think about their SIN number again once they apply for it. That said, for some, their SIN will expire. If your SIN expires, you will have to renew it before the expiration date. If you do have an expiry date, it will be made very clear once you’re approved.
In Canada, the expiration of SIN numbers is for temporary workers. These include those working towards their permanent residency but haven’t been approved yet, or those who are foreign exchange students. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,t then your SIN number won’t expire. However, the simplest way to know whether your SIN has expired is to check whether it starts with 9.
Updating Information for Your SIN Online
Just like you can renew or extend your SIN number online, you can also update any of your information with the Canada Revenue Agency. However, to update your SIN record, you must have already submitted an application and provided the required documentation. You can upload digital copies. Once the changes have been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation letter.
Once this is done, it will update both your SIN record and your information to file taxes with the CRA. You will keep the nine-digit number, and there won’t be a new expiry date unless you renew.
Adding Indian Status
If you’re registered under the Indian Act, you’re able to register your status under your SIN record. All you have to do is provide a certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada. This is in conjunction with your other documents.
What to do if Your SIN is Stolen
Since a stolen SIN number is serious, you should immediately file a police report, file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and place a fraud alert on your credit file. Since the CRA will not issue a new number, you have to protect yourself. If the number is used, you need to file a SIN misuse report.
Protecting Your SIN From Fraud
Protecting personal information is key when you’re looking into SIN fraud protection. Some of the best ways to do this are:
- Limiting access to the number by never carrying your SIN confirmation letter or card on your person
- Knowing when to provide your SIN number
- Watching for SIN scam warnings
- Disposing of any information-sensitive documents correctly
Can Employers Verify Your SIN Number?
Employer SIN verification is actually required by law for payroll and tax purposes. Since there is no database for them to look it up, they will ask you to provide that information. To reduce identity theft or a SIN, you’re going to have to show your SIN card, SIN confirmation letter, or an official tax document. This is good to know if you don’t replace SIN cards right away.
As part of your SIN identity verification, your number can help the employer determine your Canadian citizenship. For further verification, the employer can contact Service Canada Employer Supports directly.
Getting a SIN for a Newborn
You can fill out a newborn SIN application through your province’s Newborn Registration Service. You can do your birth registration, birth certificate application and SIN application all at the same time.
Are Physical SIN Cards Still Issued?
No, physical plastic SIN cards are no longer issued. Now, you’ll receive a digital or printed confirmation of your SIN letter. If you need to replace your card, you can make a Service Canada appointment or apply online or by mail.
Replacing a Lost SIN Card
There are two ways to replace your SIN card as quickly as possible. You can apply online through your My Service Canada Account or go directly to your Service Canada office. The office will be the fastest because you will get your letter on the spot.
Does a Stolen SIN Impact Your Credit?
While having your SIN stolen doesn’t directly impact your credit score, your credit can be impacted if the stolen information is used. You should notify Service Canada right away, set fraud alerts, and keep checking your credit report to verify that all of your credit information is correct.
Final Thoughts
In order to work in Canada, whether you’re a permanent resident or not, you need a social insurance number (SIN). If your SIN is going to expire, then you will receive a SIN letter to inform you, or you can check your status online through your Service Canada Account. As a permit holder, it’s important that you renew it if you plan to keep this primary document. If it expires, then you’ll have to get a new permit.
If you have permanent citizenship in Canada, you won’t have to renew your SIN number. The simplest way to figure it out is that those who have a SIN that starts with a 9 will need to renew.
