When you visit Canada as a newcomer, you have several tasks on your head. These could involve job search, tax payment, accessing benefits, services, and several programs (both public and government). Attaining all of these is possible through the Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Significance of obtaining a Social Insurance Number
A Social Insurance Number includes a nine-digit unique number denoting your identification. SIN provides you with legal permission to work in Canada. Using this number, you can proceed to access the various services and benefits. The SIN belongs to you only and no one else can use it. Therefore, it is entirely your responsibility to protect it and not share it with anyone else.
Individuals who are more than 12 years old and hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary residency can apply for their separate SIN.
After you begin your job, your employer will demand your Social Insurance Number, which you have to submit. However, there is zero fee charge associated with applying for the Social Insurance Number (SIN).
A Social Insurance Number is required for Canadian employment, filing of personal taxes, and acquiring all sorts of benefits.
Acquiring a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada works similarly to U. K’s National Insurance Number, Australia’s Tax File Number, U.S Social Security Number, Ireland’s PPS number, and numerous other numbers associated with personal employment.
Accessing the Social Insurance Number in Canada
There are three primary ways through for obtaining a Social Insurance Number in Canada by mail, visiting in person, or virtually.
In 2020, online application submissions began because the Service Canada offices had temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
In-person SIN application submission- its requirements
In-person applicants for SIN will have to display all documents by bringing them together at the Service Canada office (whichever is nearest for you).
Candidates possessing permanent residence will have to present proof of their Permanent Residency card. A permanent residence letter with confirmation will do for the first year of attaining permanent residency. You will also need to demonstrate your passport, and a valid driver’s license (for face recognition).
These Temporary Residents will need Canada’s Social Insurance Number starting with the digit 9. The Social Insurance Number will also expire on the same date as your immigration document ends.
Online SIN application submission- its requirements
Applying for a Social Insurance Number online demands certain proof with the main document indicating your Canadian status, another document for identity purposes, and an address proof document. Acquiring all these documents indicates applying online through the SIN website of the government.
Firstly, the primary document for permanent residency holders must include either a Permanent Resident Card or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence in case you’ve been in the country for less than a year. On the other hand, temporary residents can submit their valid study or work permits as proof.
For authenticating your identity, you can provide a foreign or Canadian passport, ID card concerning the province or territory, a driver’s license, or any other ID document issued by the government.
As address proof, you can present any communication proof from the government, a financial or educational institution, or a bill mentioning your address.
In case of a name change, ensure some more documents to prove the same. Applying for a child will also require additional documents.
Attaining the SIN through mail
Suppose the nearest Service Canada Office is within your reach of 100 kilometers, you can apply for a SIN. You could apply via mail in exceptional circumstances such as not being able to visit in person, inability to get help from another person to submit it for you, or applying from somewhere other than Canada.
Social Insurance Number in Canada: process time
Applying in a person implies obtaining the Social Insurance Number on a paper known as a confirmation of SIN letter.
Before 2014, plastic cards were provided in the form of Social Insurance Numbers. However, this practice got discontinued. Although, people who had acquired plastic cards can still present them because they’re still valid.
The government doesn’t provide any fixed time for processing online applications. Mail applications obtain the SIN (Social Insurance Number) within twenty days of receiving the application receipt.
Finding Social Insurance Number in Canada
Your SIN card will consist of the Social Insurance Number, you could also receive a confirmation letter for the same. The (CRA) Canadian Revenue Agency can also issue essential documents for the same, you could present them too. Currently, you will receive the number in paper format only.
