Getting your SIN: what to bring to Service Canada
Updated 2026-10-26Original en inglés
Official source: Service Canada · Social Insurance Number ↗
Published 2026-10-26Last checked 2026-10-26Language English
Aún no traducido. Se muestra el original en inglés.
If this page and the official page differ, the official page is right.
Who needs a SIN
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and to receive government benefits and services. Permanent residents and people with a valid work or study permit can apply.
What to bring
- A primary identity document, such as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), PR card, or a work or study permit.
- A supporting document if the name on your primary document is different from the name you use now.
Check the official list before you go. The accepted documents depend on your status.
How to apply
You can apply in person at a Service Canada Centre, online, or by mail. In person is usually fastest: many people leave with their number the same day.
Keep it safe
Give your SIN only to your employer, your bank for accounts that earn interest, and government agencies. A landlord or a store does not need it.
Información general, no asesoría legal. Every guide links to the official source and shows when we last checked it. For your own case, use IRCC’s tools or a licensed consultant.