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International Centre

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

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DID YOU KNOW...?

Having a Social Insurance Number DOES NOT authorize you to work. Only your study or work permit can give you permission to work in Canada.


To work, file taxes, and access government programs and benefits in Canada, you require a . To get paid by an employer and to open a Canadian bank account, you require a SIN. To be eligible for a SIN, your study permit must provide you with authorization to work on and/or off campus.

You can apply for a SIN online, in person, or by mail. To apply, you will require the following documents:

  • Primary Identity Document (one of the following):
    • Valid Study Permit which authorizes you to work in Canada (e.g. “may accept employment” or “may work”)
    • Visitor Record which authorizes you to work in Canada
    • Valid Work Permit
  • Secondary Identity Document (one of the following):
    • Passport
    • Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
    • Any other Canadian government-issued ID

There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

Apply Online


To access the online SIN application, visit the on the Government of Canada website. Scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the instructions under “Apply for a SIN.”

Note: references on the Government of Canada website to the are specific to indigenous people in Canada. Most international students who are applying for a SIN for the first time will be doing so as a “Temporary Resident.”

Apply In Person


If your Study Permit includes authorization for you to work:

  1. Go to the nearest Service Canada office in  or .
  2. At the office, complete the application for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and wait in line.
  3. A Service Canada representative will verify your documents and you will receive a letter with a SIN.

If your Study Permit doesn’t include authorization for you to work:  
 

  1. First, apply to amend your study permit so that you are authorized to work.
  2. After you receive your amended study permit, go to the nearest Service Canada office in  or .
  3. At the office, complete the application for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and wait in line.
  4. A Service Canada representative will verify your documents, and you will receive a letter with a SIN.


Keeping Your SIN Valid


Make sure you keep your SIN valid by renewing your SIN each time you extend your temporary resident status in Canada (for example, when you extend your study permit or get a Post-Graduation Work Permit).

Please ensure you have a permit that authorizes you to work BEFORE going to the Service Canada office to extend your SIN.