How do newcomers get a Social Insurance Number?
- The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that is required to work in Canada and access government programs and benefits.
- There are benefits for all family members to get a SIN.
- These are some common uses of a SIN:
- For employment;
- For filing income tax;
- For opening a financial account at a bank or credit union;
- To obtain government benefits;
- To obtain Child Tax Benefits (CCB)
- To get Canada Student Loans.
- These are some common uses of a SIN:
Use this link to learn more about the required documents and begin the application process:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
There is no fee to apply for a SIN. You can apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Some walk-in locations are seeing high demand for service, so make sure you book an appointment at https://eservices.canada.ca/en/service/ if you wish to apply in person.
Once you receive your SIN, make sure you protect it. Everyone’s SIN is private, and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. It is essential to keep it secure and not provide it unnecessarily. In the wrong hands, your SIN could lead to the loss of government benefits, tax refunds, or bank credits. Improper use can lead to identity theft. Here is a web page which helps you to determine when and when not to provide your SIN:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/protection.html