How to apply for Social Insurance Number in Canada?


Want to apply for SIN? Looking for the information to update your SIN in Canada? Grab complete information related to SIN from this webpage.

What is SIN


Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number. Any person who is willing to work in Canada or want to take the benefits of various schemes of the Canadian government must possess this number. It is a unique number and no other person is legally allowed to use it. A SIN holder owes the responsibility to keep it safe.

Who can apply


Eligibility criteria to apply for SIN is as mentioned below:
  • Minimum age limit is 12 years.
  • A Canadian citizen.
  • A permanent resident or a temporary resident of Canada.




Legally authorized parents/individuals can also apply for SIN on behalf of a child under the age of majority in their province, and adults in their care.

Steps to apply online for SIN


You can submit an online application for SIN using the official website of the Canadian government. Visit https://sin-nas.canada.ca/en/Sin/ and enter all the details required. Don't forget to check the list of documents required for this purpose.

A person can also apply by mail or apply in person to obtain his/her SIN. If you are willing to apply in person, then visit your local Service Canada Centre. Fill the service request form available at https://eservices.canada.ca/en/service/ to request an appointment.

To apply through mail, send duly filled SIN application form along with required original documents to-
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada

Documents required to apply online


Various documents are required while applying online or offline for SIN. Please note that all the documents provided should be in original only. Digital copies of all documents should be clear.

  1. A digital copy of an original valid primary document of the applicant (also required of a parent or legal guardian in case minor is an applicant).
  2. A digital copy of an original valid secondary document of the applicant (also required of a parent or legal guardian in case minor is an applicant).
  3. A digital copy of address proof of the applicant (parent or legal guardian in case minor is an applicant).
  4. A digital copy of an original valid supporting document (in case name appearing on a primary document is different from the name appearing on secondary document.
  5. In case legal guardian/representation is applying, a digital copy of an original or certified copy of a document is also required to confirm the legal guardianship/ representation. Such a document must be issued by a provincial or territorial authority.


Canada govt.

Also, note that documents required to apply through mail or in-person are different from documents required while applying online. If you are looking for information for documents required while applying by mail or in person, please post a comment here. I shall provide you the list for the same.




How to update information linked to SIN


  • If you want to legally change your name, then you must update the same by providing an original valid primary document and supporting document.
  • You can now opt not to declare your gender. But you need to update the same.


How to trace lost or stolen SIN number


Though SIN is very confidential and should be stored safely, there are chances that you lose or misplace your confirmation of SIN letter or SIN card. In such a case, you can find the number on your income tax return. Alternatively, you can request Service Canada for a confirmation of your SIN.

Looking for any other information related to SIN, like in case of death, etc.? Post your questions below and we shall provide you the answer to your query.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is true and correct to the best of our knowledge. Rules and regulations may change from time to time. The author or the website will not be responsible for any change in rules and regulations with the lapse of time.


Article by Nidhi
Nidhi is a freelance content writer with 10+ years of experience. She has a great passion to write on valuable topics so as to provide precise information to her readers.

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