Overview

Once your visa for Canada has been granted and you have arrived in country, you will need to apply in person for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  Your SIN is a nine digit number exactly the same as your National Insurance number in the UK for income tax purposes.  This card and number is a necessity if you want to work in Canada and every employer will ask for the card when you start work. You can only apply for this card after starting your first job in Canada and having worked for at least 3 days.

You can get an SIN application form from the nearest Human Resources Centre to where you live or you can obtain a form from the post office or visit the internet at  www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Once you have submitted your application, your Social Insurance Number will be issued to you immediately and your card will be sent to you by post within 10 working days.  Please note that there is a minimal fee for processing your application. 

When applying for your SIN card, you will need to produce some proof of identity and your immigration status in Canada – the kind of documents you will need will be your passport, a tenancy agreement or other proof of your residential address etc.