For many international students and new immigrants who have just arrived in Canada, many people do not know the importance of the SIN Number. Recently, many people have asked the assistant about the application for SIN number. So today, I will take you to learn more about what is SIN and how to apply for it.

What is SIN?

SIN stands for Social Insurance Number, which is a nine-digit social insurance number. It is the main tool used by the Canadian government to record residents' income, taxes, tax refunds and other social benefits. SIN is an important certificate that determines whether you can legally work in Canada, and there is no physical card. For international students, the SIN number should start with 9, which is a temporary SIN number. Canadian permanent residents and Canadian citizens start with other numbers.

Who can apply for SIN Number?

Not all international students can apply for a SIN card. If you want to apply, you need to meet the following conditions:

1) Hold a valid study permit

2) Full-time student

3) Currently enrolled in a professional course with a study project duration of at least 6 months or more

4) The school is on the list of schools stipulated by CIC

In addition, due to the trend of studying abroad at a younger age in recent years, many junior high school students come to study in Canada, and the students are too young to apply for a SIN Number. For EIP students, they may be completely banned from working because they are not officially enrolled. Therefore, such international students are also unable to apply for a SIN card.

Importance of SIN Number

It is very important for every resident, everyone has one and only one SIN Number. Everyone will use it in work, tax filing, buying a house, buying insurance, etc. SIN number belongs to personal privacy, everyone must protect it, and do not easily tell strangers SIN number. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents all need to apply for a SIN Number. You can apply for the SIN Number by yourself, or you can apply for it on your behalf.

How to apply for SIN Number

How to apply: Apply online, apply by mail, or apply in person at your local Service Canada.

1. Apply online

In addition to completing the personal information according to the steps, the online application also needs to provide the following materials:

1) Scanned copy of work permit or study permit

2) All scanned pages of passport,

3) Proof of address (must include your full name and address)

4) Evidence acceptable to government publication (for example, government letter, bank statement, telecommunication statement, or school letter, etc.)

2. Mail application

The application materials must be original and mailed to the Social Insurance Registration Office. Postal processing will not accept photocopies. Also, you need to be responsible for lost mail. So this method is not particularly recommended.

3. On-site application

Bring the required materials to Service Canada, and if the materials are approved, you can get a SIN Number on the spot. Due to the impact of the epidemic, most Service Canada adopts an appointment system. If you want to walk in, you need to queue for a long time at the door.

SIN Number update

The following situations require updating your SIN card information:

1)Change of personal information such as name and gender

2) Numbers starting with 9 expire

3) The validity period of the SIN Number starting with 9 is the same as the validity period of the study permit or work permit

If you forget your SIN number, you can check the tax form and other related information, or contact Service Canada to get it