How To Get a SIN Number After Immigrating To Canada

Are you Immigrating to Canada? Then, you must think about how to get the SIN Number after you land in Canada. 

In that case, you have come to the right page. This guide will detail the steps to get the Social Insurance Number. But, before proceeding, let us give you an overview of the Social Insurance Number. 

Social Insurance Number – An Overview 

The Social Insurance Number consists of a unique nine-digit number, and the Service Canada issues it to every Canadian citizen, permanent resident, and temporary resident(TR). 

To be qualified to work in Canada and receive benefits and services from the Canadian government, all citizens and permanent residents of Canada must obtain a valid Social Insurance Number.  

This SIN number should be provided to your employer to facilitate access to well-known government programs, including Employment Insurance(EI) and Canada Pension Plan(CPP). 

Citizens or permanent residents at least 12 years old can apply for a SIN number in Canada. However, Service Canada permits parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives to apply for the SIN Number on behalf of persons under the care of others and children under twelve.  

Steps to Apply for Social Insurance Number 

Candidates can apply for the SIN Number online, in person at the Service Canada location, or by mail. 

Meanwhile, the application requirement slightly varies depending on the candidate’s unique situation. For instance, Service Canada requires a different set of documents if the candidate is applying for the SIN number for themselves or on behalf of someone else. 

Also, the application requirements vary depending on the candidate’s status in Canada, whether they are citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents of Canada. 

Important Note: The ESDC(Employment and Social Development Canada) advises permanent and temporary residents to apply for an SIN number within three days when they start working. The ESDC authority has quoted that individuals can “begin working in an insurable location” only when they apply for the number.  

However, all provided documents should meet each situation’s criteria or requirements. 

• The documents should be valid, and there should be digital copies of the original documents. 
• The documents should be clear, legible, complete(displaying the complete documents along with their borders), and accurate. 
• The document should be in English or French(you should look for a translation if the document is in another language) 

Documents Requirement in Unique Situations – PRs or TRs 

The documentation required to apply online for a SIN as a PR or TR in Canada is listed below.

Permanent Resident 

1. Condition: Applying for Themselves 
2. Status in Canada: Permanent Residency holder 
3. Application Method: Online 

Primary Identity Documents: Any of the following 

1. Canada PR Card is issued by the Canadian High Commission IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) or CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada). 
2. COPR(Confirmation of Permanent Residency) issued by the IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada).
   1. It is acceptable if it is used within one year of becoming a Permanent Resident, and after that particular period, the PR card is required. 
   2. Record of Landing granted by the CIC before June 28, 2002. 

Secondary Documents Requirement: Any of the following 

1. A valid passport(either Canadian or foreign) 
2. ID card or driver’s license from a Canadian province or territory. 
3. Any other ID issued by the Canadian Government. 

Important to Note: The secondary document provided to the Canadian authorities should contain the principal applicant’s full legal name and DOB(Date of Birth). 

Supporting Documents: If the applicant’s name differs from the name on the SIN application, then this document—which needs to be a legal document—must be submitted. It must state the applicant’s most recent name usage.

Temporary Resident 

1. Condition: Applying for themselves 
2. Status in Canada: Temporary Resident 
3. Application Method: Online 

Primary Identity Document: Any of the following 

1. Work Permit granted by CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada) or IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) 
2. Study Permit granted by CIC or IRCC. However, the permit should indicate that the holder has work authorization in Canada). 
3. Visitor Records granted by CIC or IRCC(It should indicate work authorisation in Canada) 
4. Diplomatic identity card (in conjunction with a Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development work authorisation) 

As long as they maintain their valid status for processing, TRs with an expired SIN are allowed to continue working. At the same time, they should await their new immigration document, according to the IRCC. 

A TR must observe Service Canada with the new immigration paperwork to update the expiration date on their SIN record as soon as IRCC allows them to hold running in Canada.

Your immigration document’s expiration date and your SIN facts should match. 

Secondary Documents Requirement: Any of the following 

1. A Valid passport(either Canadian or foreign) 
2. A driver’s license or identity card issued by a Canadian province or territory
3. Any other ID provided by the Canadian government

Important to Note: The applicant’s complete legal name and birthdate must appear in the supplementary paperwork that they supply.

Supporting Document: If the name on the primary or secondary document above differs from the name on the SIN application, this legal document detailing the applicant’s most recent name usage is necessary.

Receiving and Updating the SIN Number 

Per the ESDC, the candidates’ online application will be processed within 4-5 business days if everything is in order.  

According to ESDC, temporary residents should make sure that their SIN expiration date matches the expiration date of their IRCC paperwork, allowing them to work in Canada, especially if their SIN starts with a 9. Your old SIN will no longer be valid after your SIN record has been updated, and you will be issued a new SIN with a new expiration date. 

In Case of Lost, stolen, or forgotten SIN

Candidate should keep their SIN number private, and they should protect it all the time. 

If Canadian citizens have forgotten their SIN, in this case, the ESDC has quoted that their SIN number will be assessed through the following ways. 

1. Income Tax Return 
2. Employment Record 
3. Contribution to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

According to ESDC, Service Canada will most straightforward trouble a brand new SIN for lost or stolen identities if there is evidence that the preceding one was used unlawfully. The man or woman must shield their SIN, watch for fraudulent pastimes in their financial institution money owed, and take suitable action as needed.

For more details about Canada Immigration, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com