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Social Insurance Number (SIN)

International students must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to receive employment income in Canada.

What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A SIN is a confidential nine-digit number that's fundamental to working in Canada and accessing Government of Canada programs and services. 

You're required by Canadian law to provide your SIN to your employer within three (3) working days after the day you begin employment with them

Your study permit will authorize you to work in Canada and must have a statement regarding your eligibility to work in Canada.

How to obtain your SIN

You can apply in-Canada at a Service Canada office, online, or by paper (via the mail). Learn more by visiting How to Apply. Service Canada encouraging international students and newcomers to apply for their SIN through the online application. 

 

UCalgary campus

Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit? Search locations

UCalgary campus

SINs and taxes in Canada

A SIN also makes you eligible to receive benefits and services from government programs (such as personal income tax refunds).

Learn more about filing personal income tax in Canada

Where to obtain your SIN

You can obtain a SIN by applying online or by mail. 

To avoid waiting in line at a Service Canada Centre, you can apply for your SIN online instruction in Canada. A completed online application with all the required documents will be processed within 5 business days. You will then be able to view your SIN in your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

Learn more about How to Retrieving your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) 

There are also several Service Canada offices in Calgary. The three locations closest to the UCalgary campus are:

Find a Service Canada office.

Documents you'll need to provide

  • Required documents are listed in the Application Guide:
    • Passport
    • Study Permit (with statement of eligibility to work in Canada) or Visitor Record showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
    • Proof of address 
    • Certificate of marriage; certificate of divorce, or legal change of name certificate (if name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application)

What if my temporary SIN expires?

If your SIN begins with a "9", you must update your SIN to ensure the expiry date aligns with the expiry date on your study permit. 

If you have applied to extend your study permit and are awaiting a decision, you can continue to work under "implied status" even though your SIN may have expired. Refer to the Service Canada website here: 

Service Canada: After Applying