Social Insurance Number

You will require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits. You can apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or you can apply online.

When you apply, you must have the following original documents with you:

You must provide one 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.

For more information on how to apply for SIN, please refer to the Government of Canada website.