SIN Card for Newcomers — Complete Canada Guide 2025

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is needed for work, banking, and government benefits. Here is exactly how to apply as a newcomer to Canada.

What Is a SIN and Why Do You Need One?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada. It is the cornerstone of your identity in the Canadian financial and tax system. You need your SIN to:

• Work legally in Canada — employers are required to collect your SIN for payroll and tax reporting
• Open interest-bearing bank accounts — banks report interest income to CRA using your SIN
• File your income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Receive government benefits: Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Old Age Security (OAS), CPP
• Open a TFSA or RRSP (registered savings accounts)

Your SIN is highly sensitive — treat it like a password. Only share it when legally required (employer, bank, government agency). Never carry your SIN card in your wallet.

Who Is Eligible for a SIN?

Category	Eligible	SIN Starts With
Canadian citizens	Yes	1–8
Permanent residents	Yes	1–8
Work permit holders	Yes (authorized to work)	9
Study permit with work authorization	Yes	9
Protected persons / refugees	Yes	1–8 or 9
Visitors / tourists	No	N/A

Temporary Residents: The SIN Starting With 9

If you are in Canada on a temporary basis — work permit, study permit, or certain other permits — your SIN will begin with the digit 9. This is entirely normal and does not affect your ability to work or bank. However, a SIN beginning with 9 has an expiry date linked to your permit. When you renew or change your permit, you must update your SIN at Service Canada.

When your temporary SIN expires and you become a permanent resident, you will receive a new SIN beginning with a different digit. It is important to update this with your employer and financial institutions promptly.

How to Apply for Your SIN — Step by Step

You must apply in person at a Service Canada Centre. There is no online application for newcomers at this time. Here is what to do:

• Step 1: Locate your nearest Service Canada Centre at canada.ca/service-canada-offices
• Step 2: Bring your primary immigration document: PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), work permit, or study permit
• Step 3: Bring a supporting identity document — your passport
• Step 4: Arrive early — Service Canada offices can have significant wait times, especially in major cities
• Step 5: Complete the SIN application form (available at the office or online to print in advance)
• Step 6: If all documents are in order, you receive your SIN on the same day — Service Canada no longer issues a physical card, just a confirmation letter with the number

SIN Application Documents by Status

Immigration Status	Primary Document	Secondary Document
Permanent Resident	PR card or COPR + passport	Passport
Work Permit	Work permit	Passport
Study Permit	Study permit + letter from school	Passport
Convention Refugee	Protected person decision letter	Travel document or passport

Can You Work or Bank Before Getting Your SIN?

Legally, you should apply for your SIN within 3 days of starting work. However, you can open a basic bank account before receiving your SIN — most Canadian banks accept newcomers with a passport and immigration document alone. Once your SIN is issued, provide it to your bank so they can register your account for tax reporting purposes.

KOHO is an excellent option while you wait for your SIN — you can apply online using just your passport and start banking immediately. Your SIN can be added to the account later.

Protecting Your SIN From Fraud

SIN fraud is a significant problem in Canada. Fraudsters use stolen SINs to file false tax returns, open fraudulent credit accounts, and collect government benefits. Protect yourself by never emailing your SIN, never sharing it over the phone unless you initiated the call, and regularly checking your credit report at Equifax and TransUnion for unfamiliar accounts.