Social Insurance Number Canada
Social Insurance Number Canada
The Social Insurance Number in Canada also known as SIN is a nine-digit number that you must have if you plan to work in Canada. You also need a SIN if you want to have access to the Canadian Government programs and other benefits. Your Social Insurance Number is issued only to you and it cannot be legally used by anyone else. Remember, you are responsible for protecting your SIN, that is why, please, store any document containing your SIN and personal information in a safe place. Do not carry your SIN information with you everywhere.
Today SINs can be issued in paper format (confirmation of SIN letter) by Service Canada. Production of the plastic SIN card has stopped, but those plastic SIN cards that are not expired and are currently in circulation can still be used in Canada. For all the information, necessary for the creation and usage of your Social Insurance Number in Canada, you contact the Social Insurance Number Canada Program. Parents of a newborn child can apply for their child's SIN through the Newborn Registration Service. Remember, that some employers are responsible for the related to their employees' SINs.
Children older than 12 years of age may also apply for and get their own SIN. It is worth mentioning, that parents and individuals who are legally authorized to act on behalf of the applicant (like legal guardians or legal representatives) can also apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada for children under the age of majority in their province (which may differ), and adults who are in their care.
If you are applying for yourself online, you must provide digital copies of the following documents: your original valid primary document; your original valid secondary document; proof of your address, and a valid supporting document (you need it only if the name on your primary document is different). It is important that all digital copies of your documents be clear and legible.
If you are applying for yourself by mail, you must provide the following original documents: a valid primary document; a Social Insurance Number in Canada application form (completed and signed); and an original valid supporting document (you need it only if the name on your primary document is different).
If you are applying for yourself in person, you must provide the following original documents: a valid primary document, a valid secondary document (if you have reached the age of majority in your province of residence), and a valid supporting document (you need it only if the name on your primary document is different).
Parents or legal guardians can apply for a SIN online, by mail or in person on behalf of a minor. If you plan to apply online on behalf of a minor, you must provide digital copies of the following documents: a valid primary document of the represented person, a valid supporting document (you need it only if the name on the represented person’s primary document is different). Also, as a legal representative, you must provide digital copies of your proof of address, your original valid photo identification and if you are a provincial or territorial employee, you must submit a digital copy of you original valid employee photo identification. Please include a digital copy of a document that confirms proof of legal representation. If you are an employee that applies for a SIN on behalf of the agency, you must provide a digital copy of an original letter of authorization issued by the agency and signed by the agency’s director or administrator on the agency’s letterhead.
If you plan to apply by mail, on behalf of a minor you must provide the following documents: original valid primary document of the represented person, SIN application form (completed and signed), a valid supporting document (you need it only if the name of the represented person’s primary document is different). Also, as a legal representative, you must provide your original valid photo identification, a document that confirms proof of legal representation, and an original letter of authorization issued by the agency and signed by the agency’s director or administrator, if you are an employee authorized to apply for a SIN on behalf of the agency. If you plan to apply for a minor in person, you must provide a similar package of the original documents. As a legal representative of an estate, you may also request confirmation of SIN for a deceased person.
Remember, a primary document is an official document that proves your identity and status in Canada, and the type of this document differs for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, and individuals residing outside Canada with no legal status in Canada. Canadian citizens can provide a certificate of birth, or a certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or a certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad. Permanent residents of Canada must provide a Permanent Resident Card, or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, a Record of Landing, or a Verification of Landing, or a Status Verification. Temporary residents of Canada must provide a work permit, or a study permit, or a visitor record or a diplomatic identity card, and a work authorization issued by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. Individuals residing outside Canada with no legal status in Canada, who are eligible to receive a Canadian government benefit or pension must provide the original of a birth certificate and a letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada.
A secondary document is an official and valid document that confirms your identity and provides the information on your legal name and date of birth, for example, a passport, a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, a driver’s license, or any other Canadian government-issued ID. Another mandatory for the issue of a SIN document is the proof of address. It is a document prepared by an institution or organization, which contains the applicant’s name and address.
Supporting document that may be needed when you apply for a SIN include certificates of marriage, records of solemnization of marriage or marriage statement, divorce decrees, certificates of divorce or decrees absolute, legal change of name certificates or court order documents, adoption orders, notarial certificates, requests to Amend Record of Landing, and some others.
It is worth mentioning, that there is no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada. After your SIN is issued by Service Canada, your personal information (your name, date of birth, place of birth, your parents' names) will be stored in the Social Insurance Registry. Remember, that your SIN is confidential and you should not use it as identification. If you are legally changing your name or gender designation, you must update the information linked to your SIN.
Regards,
International Experience Club
