How to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) as an IEC permit holder

If you are planning to engage in paid work in Canada, then you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This includes IEC Working Holiday permit holders who wish to work.

The SIN is not difficult to apply for if you know what steps to expect.

In this article, we’ll explain what the SIN is and how to obtain one in time for your job.

What is a Social Insurance Number?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies Canadian citizens and residents when they apply for benefits and services from government programs. It’s also used for tax reporting purposes, so you will need to provide it to your employer when you start working.

If you have an IEC work permit (Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op), you will be issued a SIN that begins with a “9.” It means that you are a temporary resident.

SIN and employment

You need a SIN to engage in paid work. Employers are required to request your SIN and record the number within three days of your start date.

Note that if you’re an unpaid intern with an International Co-op permit, you may not need to apply for a SIN.

How to apply as a temporary resident

1. Where to apply

Your SIN can be applied for in person at any Service Canada office. Enter your address or postal code to find a Service Canada office near you.

You can also apply online but it takes much longer to process, which may delay the start of your employment.

You may also apply by mail if you live over 100 kilometres from the nearest Service Canada centre. But it’s best to apply in person before heading to a very remote corner of the country.

2. When to apply

We recommend that you apply for a SIN as soon as possible after landing in Canada. You don’t need to have a job offer or employment contract.

Note that you can’t apply for your SIN before arriving in Canada. This is because you’ll need to show your work permit, which won’t be issued until you go through Canadian immigration.

3. Documents to provide

As a temporary resident, you must provide

• Your IEC work permit and
• Your passport.

Students must provide their study permit.

There is no application fee.

4. What address to use

If don’t have a long-term address in Canada yet, it’s acceptable to provide the address of your hostel, hotel, Airbnb, friend’s house, etc.

5. What to expect when applying in person

When you arrive at the Service Canada office, you will join the queue. We recommend arriving at opening time to avoid too long of a wait.

When it’s your turn, you will be called to the front desk and asked the purpose of your visit.

You’ll then be sent to a waiting room with a numbered ticket. When your number is called, go to the booth and present your documents. If you provide the required supporting documents, normally your SIN will be issued on the spot.

Health care access as an IEC permit holder

Having a SIN is required to access public services and health care, but as an IEC permit holder, having a SIN does not automatically make you eligible for public services and health care.

It depends on:

1. What category of IEC permit you have,
2. Your employment contract, and
3. How you plan have been and will be in Canada.

It is imperative that for the duration of your IEC permit, you maintain coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.

For more information, read Are IEC permit holders eligible for provincial health care in Canada?.

If your immigration status changes

As a temporary resident, your SIN is valid only until the expiry date indicated on your work permit. When your work permit expires, so does your SIN.

If you get another work permit, you keep the same SIN but you still have to go to a Service Canada office again to update your record.

Lost your SIN? Found a SIN? Any other questions?

These official resources are useful:

• Social Insurance Number explained by Service Canada
• The Social Insurance Number (SIN) Code of Practice