Apply, update or obtain a SIN confirmation
Update to Canada Post services delivery
Consult the list of impacted programs that may result in service delivery delays.
Disruption of Canada Post Services – Additional information for Temporary Residents
If you are in Canada and your work or study permit* has been approved by IRCC but the original document is still in the mail and you:
- do not have a SIN, you can apply using the email from IRCC issued on or after November 7, 2024 confirming that your permit has been approved
- have a SIN, you can continue to work on your expired SIN until you receive your work or study permit* by mail. For more information visit If your temporary SIN expires (begins with 9)
If you are outside of Canada, you will receive your work or study permit* at your Point of Entry and will need to apply with your permit.
*A study permit issued by IRCC which indicates the permit holder "may accept employment" or "may work" in Canada.
- To find out which documents you must provide, select below the scenario that best describes your situation.
If you have a SIN
You can view your SIN on My Service Canada Account (MSCA) without submitting a SIN application if:
- your SIN is not expired; and
- you don't need to update your SIN information
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, update or obtain a SIN confirmation 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.
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, update or obtain a SIN confirmation
You must submit a SIN application and provide all required documents 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
- correct an error on a SIN record
- update a legal change of name
- update your status on your SIN record
- update your immigration document’s expiry date on your SIN record
- remove your disc number from your SIN record
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.
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 bordersclear and legible;
- in English or French (if your document is in another language, please see translation requirements)
Required documents for yourselfthe legal representativethe parent or legal guardianthe legal representative of the estate:
-
Primary identity document
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- 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
When a Record of Landing or a COPR is not available
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
-
Secondary document
If you have reached the age of majority in your province or territory of residence, yYYou must provide 1 of the following documents. It must contain the legal name (family name and given name) and the date of birth.
- a passport (Canadian or foreign)
- a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- any other Canadian government-issued ID
-
SIN application form completed and signed
If you are unable to print the application form, you can order one by phone at:
- 1-866-274-6627 (toll free number) or,
- if outside Canada, at 1-506-548-7961 (long distance charges will apply)
-
Proof of legal representation
You must provide an original or certified copy of a document proving that you are legally authorized to represent the estate
-
Photo identification
You must provide photo identification confirming your identity
Note: Provincial and territorial employees must submit their employee photo identification
-
Documentation confirming your legal representation
issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority
-
Letter of Authorization (Provincial and Territorial employees only)
A letter of authorization issued by the agency and signed by the agency’s director or administrator, authorizing you to apply for a SIN on behalf of the agency; this letter must be on the agency’s letterhead
-
Documentation confirming legal guardianship (legal guardian only)
Document issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. In Quebec, a notarized will is an acceptable document.
-
Supporting document
If the name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application, a legal document stating the most recent name used is required
Required documents for the childthe deceased personthe represented person:
- Primary identity document
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- 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
When a Record of Landing or a COPR is not available
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
- Death certificate
-
Supporting document
If the name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application, a legal document stating the most recent name used is required
Mail your SIN application
Service CanadaSocial 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.
Find out if your local Service Canada Centre is open
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.
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