With Social insurance number(SIN) is an identification number used to manage numerous government programs in Canada. The SIN was established in 1964 to act as a client account number in the management of the Canada Pension Plan and the several employment insurance programmes offered in Canada.

SIN Application	SIN Renewal	SIN Card Replacement
SIN Number	SIN Online Application	SIN Service Canada
SIN Apply Online	SIN Application Status	SIN Card Application
SIN Card	SIN Update	SIN Online
SIN Number Application	SIN Meaning	SIN Eligibility

Overview

To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit number known as a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Your SIN is private and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. You are responsible for protecting your SIN.

Service Canada is responsible for issuing SINs, which comes in a paper format (Confirmation of SIN letter). If you have a plastic SIN card that has not expired, it is still valid.

There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

Access SIN Required documents here

Submit a SIN application to:

request a SIN for the first time
obtain a confirmation of your SIN
correct an error on a SIN record
update a legal change of name
update the citizenship status on your SIN record
update your immigration document’s expiry date on your SIN record
remove your disc number from your SIN record

Include all mandatory documents with your application.

Service Canada will only mail your Confirmation of SIN letter to an address other than your own if you apply by mail.

To protect your personal information, never leave your computer or device unattended while filling out a SIN application online. Always close your browser if you step away from your computer or device.

Minors applying for themselves

Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN.

If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory and applying for a SIN, you must provide all required documents. If you cannot provide all required documents, a representative must apply on your behalf.

Indian status

If you are an individual registered under the Indian Act and you want to register your status in your SIN record, provide a Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada along with your required documents (see “Apply for a SIN” section below to obtain the list of required documents).

Apply for a SIN

To find out which documents you must provide, select the scenario that best describes your situation (required)You are applying for yourselfYou are a parent or legal guardian applying on behalf of a minor or a dependent adult childYou are a legal representative applying on behalf of someone elseYou are a legal representative of an estate requesting a confirmation of SIN for a deceased person

If you have forgotten your SIN

If you cannot remember your SIN, you may:

find it on your income tax return, tax slips, record of employment, RRSP contribution
you can obtain a confirmation of your SIN by submitting an application

If you have lost your SIN, or if it was stolen

If you have lost your SIN, or if it was stolen, Service Canada will not issue a new one.

Service Canada may issue a new SIN only if there is proof that the SIN was used fraudulently. If you think this may apply to you, refer to Protecting your SIN for more information.

If you find someone else’s SIN

Please return it to a Service Canada Center or mail it to Service Canada.

Registering a newborn

If your newborn is under one year of age and you have not registered your child’s birth with your province, you can apply for your child’s SIN through your provincial Newborn Registration Service.

This service is available in all Canadian provinces, but is not yet available in the territories.

If you live in the territories, apply for your child’s SIN directly through Service Canada.

Who needs a SIN

If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.

Children 12 years of age or older may apply for their SIN. Parents, legal guardians or legal representatives can apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority in their province, and for adults in their care.