Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit identifier issued by Service Canada. Without it, you cannot legally work, file taxes, or access government benefits like the Canada Child Benefit or the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). It's one of the very first things you should get after arriving in Canada — and the good news is that it's completely free.
What exactly is a SIN — and why does the first digit matter?
Canada stopped issuing plastic SIN cards in 2014. Today, your SIN comes as a paper Confirmation Letter. The first digit of your SIN tells you your status:
| First digit | Who it applies to | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 8 | Canadian citizens and permanent residents | Never expires |
| 9 | Temporary residents (work permit, study permit, IEC) | Matches your immigration document |
When your permit is renewed, your SIN number stays the same — only the expiry date on your SIN record needs updating. Visit Service Canada or use eSIN as soon as you receive your new permit. During maintained status (implied status), you can continue working even after your SIN expiry date, but update your record the moment your new permit arrives.
Required documents — by immigration status
All documents must be originals. Photocopies and digital scans are not accepted in person. Service Canada agents will verify and return your originals immediately.
Permanent Residents
- ▸Primary: PR card or COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) + foreign passport
- ▸Secondary: Passport, driver's licence, or Canadian government-issued ID
Working Holiday / Open Work Permit holders
- ▸Primary: Open Work Permit issued by IRCC
- ▸Secondary: Valid foreign passport
International Students (Study Permit)
- ▸Primary: Study Permit — must include wording that authorizes work (on or off campus)
- ▸Secondary: Valid foreign passport
- ▸Sometimes requested: Letter of Acceptance from your institution
Your study permit must say "may work on or off campus" to qualify for a SIN. If your permit doesn't include work authorization, you will not be able to get a SIN for employment purposes — check before heading to Service Canada.
Three ways to apply — compared
Arriving by plane? SIN@Landing — get your SIN at the airport
Canada operates Service Canada centres inside select airports, so you can get your SIN before you even leave the arrivals hall. This is called SIN@Landing and is available at six major airports:
| Airport | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson | YYZ | Check hours in advance — not 24/7 |
| Montréal Trudeau | YUL | |
| Vancouver International | YVR | |
| Calgary International | YYC | |
| Edmonton International | YEG | |
| Halifax Stanfield | YHZ |
The Canadian government has confirmed that SIN@Entry — which will allow newcomers to request their SIN online via their IRCC account before arriving in Canada — is scheduled for fall 2027. Until then, use SIN@Landing at the airport or apply in person/online after arrival.
Step-by-step: applying in person (recommended)
How to protect your SIN — the rules every newcomer should know
Your SIN is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you hold in Canada. Misuse by someone else means tax liability and identity theft risk fall on you.
| Share your SIN with | Never share with |
|---|---|
| Your employer (for T4 and payroll) | Callers claiming to be from CRA or IRCC |
| CRA (for tax filing) | Landlords or rental applications |
| Banks (for certain financial products) | Online stores, social media, apps |
| Government benefit applications | Anyone you haven't verified as legitimate |
Scammers frequently impersonate CRA or Service Canada and demand your SIN over the phone, threatening fines or deportation. CRA and Service Canada will never ask for your SIN by phone or email unsolicited. Hang up and call the official number to verify.
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