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S.I.N. Number: Your Way of Getting Paid

S.I.N.

Photo 4508Your Social Insurance Number is a nine digit code that you need in order to access Canadian programs, benefits as well as get paid for your work while you're here. It doesn't matter whether you are a Canadian citizen, a temporary resident, or a new comer to Canada you need your very own Social Insurance Number. The following information is from Service Canada, found at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/.

How to Apply

In Person

When arriving in Canada, you can go in person to a Service Canada Centre. Just bring in the following required documents if you are a temporary resident (an international student, or worker).

  • Work Permit - issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
  • Study Permit - issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada AND a contract of employment from the learning institution or employer on campus where you obtained authorization to study by CIC.
  • Visitor Record - issued by CIC, indicating you are eligible to work in Canada. This could include a passport.
  • Diplomatic Identity Card AND a note of permission of employment - issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).
You will meet with a Citizen Service Agent who will work you through the application process online. You can also print off the form and fill it out yourself. The form can be found in this lesson under resources. You will receive your number right away and your card should get to you in five business days.

According to Service Canada, you will receive a temporary SIN card that begins with the number "9". Your SIN card expires on the date indicated on the front of the card. This expiry date is based on the CIC document that authorizes your stay in Canada.

By Mail

By mail, you must complete an application form as well as send in the documents listed above. These documents need to be sent to...

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

You will receive your card in the mail within the next 3 weeks, so coming in person is a very good time saver.



By Phone (New Brunswick and International)

You can apply:

  • if you were born in New Brunswick on or after January 1, 1916; or
  • if you were born outside of Canada, entered Canada after 1971 and you have a Permanent or Temporary Resident status in Canada.

  1. Have on hand one of the following documents to confirm your identity:
    • New Brunswick Birth Certificate. If you need to apply for your Birth Certificate, contact the Vital Statistics Office in Fredericton at 506-453-2385.

    • Immigration identity document issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, such as a Permanent Resident Card or a Work Permit.

  2. Dial toll-free 1-888-428-0888 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays).

    Note:

    If you are using a Touch-Tone Telephone, answer the questions from the automated system using your telephone keypad. An agent will then come on the line to finalize your request.

    If you are using a Rotary Dial Telephone, wait for an agent to assist you. As soon as our agent validates your identity, your application will be processed.

  3. Provide the registration number on your Birth Certificate or the identification number on your Citizenship and Immigration document. Our agent will also ask you some personal information to verify your identity.
Remember, you need this number to get paid for working abroad in Canada, so it is very important than you arrange to get it as soon as you arrive!

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