Apply

For information on eligibility and how to access your SIN visit My Service Canada Account.

You can also find your SIN on your income tax return, tax slips, record of employment, RRSP contribution.

There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

You can apply online, upload your digital documents securely and, if eligible, view your SIN on MSCA once your application has been processed.

You can also apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or by mail.

Submit a SIN application to:

• request a SIN for the first time
• obtain a confirmation of your SIN
  • see where you can find your SIN without submitting an application

  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.

  Select below the scenario that best describes your situation and to find out which document you must provide.

  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).

  Please visit the SIN required documents page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.

  Apply for a SIN

  Documents required to apply

  All documents must be:

  • digital copies of original documents
  • valid (not expired)
  • clear, legible and complete by showing the entire document including the borders clear and legible ;
  • in English or French (if your document is in another language, please see translation requirements)

  Required documents for yourself the legal representative the parent or legal guardian the legal representative of the estate :

  1. Primary identity document
  • birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
  • certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
  • certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977

  Note:

  • Most original certificates of birth and birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements by the issuing province or meet the requirements for various reasons. The SIN Program must review the document to determine its validity
  • The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994

  You must provide 1 of the following documents:

  • Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC Note: If the COPR is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident, it is acceptable. After this period, the Permanent Resident Card is required
  • Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002

  The following may be submitted when the above documents cannot be provided:

  • Verification of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC
  • Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC

  These documents will only be accepted for making changes to a SIN record or to get a confirmation of an existing SIN.

  You must provide 1 of the following documents:

  • work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
  • study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
  • visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
  • diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

  Additional information for permits

  If you don’t have a work permit, or have issues with your study permit requirements, please contact IRCC.

  If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.

  Once IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you must apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document must match.

  You must provide both following documents:

  • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements
  • statement of contribution or letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec

  You must provide both following documents:

  • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements; and
  • A Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada
  • a passport (Canadian or foreign)
  • a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
  • any other Canadian government-issued ID
  • 1-866-274-6627 (toll free number) or,
  • if outside Canada, at 1-506-548-7961 (long distance charges will apply)

  Required documents for the child the deceased person the represented person :

  1. Primary identity document
  • birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
  • certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
  • certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977
  • Most original certificates of birth and birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements by the issuing province or meet the requirements for various reasons. The SIN Program must review the document to determine its validity
  • The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994

  You must provide 1 of the following documents:

  • Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC Note: If the COPR is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident, it is acceptable. After this period, the Permanent Resident Card is required
  • Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002

  The following may be submitted when the above documents cannot be provided:

  • Verification of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC
  • Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC

  These documents will only be accepted for making changes to a SIN record or to get a confirmation of an existing SIN.

  You must provide 1 of the following documents:

  • work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
  • study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
  • visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
  • diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

  Additional information for permits

  If you don’t have a work permit, or have issues with your study permit requirements, please contact IRCC.

  If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.

  Once IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you must apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document must match.

  You must provide both following documents:

  • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements
  • statement of contribution or letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec

  You must provide both following documents:

  • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements; and
  • A Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada

  Mail your SIN application

  Service Canada
  Social Insurance Registration Office
  PO Box 7000
  Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
  Canada

  If you submit your application by mail, we will return your documents by mail once your application is complete. Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.

  To request an appointment, please use the online service request form.

  If everything is in order, you will get your SIN during your visit and you will not need to part with your documents.

  Please visit the SIN required documents page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.