3 Simple Ways to Apply for Social Insurance Number in Canada (SIN)

Apply for Social Insurance Number in Canada: Any foreigner who recently migrated to Canada and wishes to work needs a Social Insurance Number. Social Insurance Number or SIN for short is very important and you can read all about SIN on the Canada immigration website.

The focus of this article is on exploring the three different ways you can apply for SIN. I’ll walk you through the three easy ways you can apply for SIN in Canada and you can use whichever method is best suitable for you.

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The document required to get your SIN varies depending on your resident status in Canada.

Document Requirements to Apply for SIN (Temporary Residents)

For temporary residents, you’ll need the following documents

1. A work permit issued by IRCC or CIC;
2. A study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada;
3. A visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC, indicating you are authorized to work in Canada;
4. A diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
5. Legal name (family name and given name), and
6. Date of birth
7. A passport (Canadian or foreign), a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, or a driver’s license Any other Canadian government-issued ID.

Note: If you do not meet this requirement, contact IRCC to verify if you are eligible to apply for an amended study permit. Also note that if the name on any document you provide above is different from the name on the SIN application, submit a supporting document.

See Also: Documents Required from International Students at a Canadian Airport to Get Study Permit

Ways to Apply for Social Insurance Number in Canada

There are three ways you can apply for SIN in Canada. They are;

1. Service Canada Office: This is the fastest way to get your SIN. You go to any Service Canada office in Canada with your documents and apply for SIN. It will be issued to you on the same day. However, you might have to stand in queue if there are lots of people. This is why some people prefer the second way of applying for SIN, namely online.
2. Apply Online: You can apply for SIN online on the Canada SIN website. The whole application process takes less than 30 minutes to complete. I know because it took me less than 15 minutes to apply for my SIN online. With this method, you don’t have to wait in a queue. But, if you apply online, you’ll have to wait 5 days before your SIN is issued. You might have to wait up to 20 days for it to be delivered to your address.
3. Mail to Service Canada: For this method, you have to mail your documents to Service Canada. You’re required to include all original documents before your SIN application will be processed. This is the least used method of applying for SIN but the option is there for those who want to use it. If for any reason you can’t go to the Service Canada office and/or use the online application, then use this method.

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Benefits and Why You Need a Social Insurance Number in Canada

Below are some of the reasons why you need a Social Insurance Number in Canada and its benefits;

1. Proving your identity (e.g. when filling out online forms, applying for government programs, etc.).
2. You may need it when negotiating a lease with a landlord
3. Applying to a university or college
4. Completing an employment application (before you get a job offer)
5. Cashing a cheque or transferring money
6. Applying for a membership
7. Registering for supplemental health offered by your employer
8. Communicating electronically, particularly online
9. You may need it when applying to rent a property
10. Applying for credit products (such as a credit card, loan, or mortgage) with a financial institution to allow for a credit rating check
11. Renting a motorized vehicle or equipment
12. Subscribing to a cellular telephone, internet, or television services
13. Writing a will

Of the three ways to apply for SIN in Canada, I prefer the online application. But if you have the time and would like to get your SIN the same day, then visiting a Service Canada office will be best for you.

Note that you’re responsible for keeping your SIN safe and Service Canada will not issue a new SIN unless there is proof it’s been used for fraudulent activities by someone else. You can read more on SIN on the Canada Immigration website.