Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada
Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada is a free service run by Service Canada. You likely qualify if: Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Temporary residents allowed to work; Age 12 or older, or a parent applies for a child (checked on the official page on October 4, 2026).
You likely qualify if: Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Temporary residents allowed to work; Age 12 or older, or a parent applies for a child.
Apply any time. If your application is complete, online takes about 5 business days and mail takes about 20 business days. In person, you get your SIN during your visit if everything is in order. Service Canada cannot give you your SIN over the phone.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 4, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 4, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
A 9-digit number from Service Canada that you need to work in Canada or to get government programs and benefits. You can apply online, by mail or in person.
Who qualifies
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who are allowed to work in Canada (a work permit or study permit that says you may work or may accept employment, or a visitor record that says you are authorized to work); anyone 12 or older can apply for their own SIN, and a parent or legal guardian can apply for a child. A SIN for a temporary resident starts with 9 and expires on the same date as your permit or visitor record.
You likely qualify if:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Temporary residents allowed to work
- Age 12 or older, or a parent applies for a child
How to apply
- Apply on their application form.
- Questions? 1-866-274-6627
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is canada.ca/.../sin.html.
Good to know
- CostFree
- LanguagesEnglish, French
- Their stepsGet your documents ready: one primary document that proves your status (for example a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, PR card, COPR, or a work or study permit) and one valid secondary ID with your full name and date of birth, such as a passport or driver's licence. Documents not in English or French must be translated. Fastest: apply online at sin-nas.canada.ca and upload clear digital copies of both sides of each document, showing the whole document. Or go to a Service Canada Centre with your original documents. You can ask for an appointment with the online service request form. If everything is in order, you get your SIN during your visit. Or mail form NAS2120 with your original documents to Service Canada, Social Insurance Registration Office, PO Box 7000, Bathurst NB E2A 4T1. Your documents are mailed back to you.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: 1-866-274-6627
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- One primary document that proves your status
- One secondary ID, such as a passport
Dates
Apply any time. If your application is complete, online takes about 5 business days and mail takes about 20 business days. In person, you get your SIN during your visit if everything is in order. Service Canada cannot give you your SIN over the phone.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.