What is a SIN Card? How to Get a SIN Number in Vancouver (2025) - Full Guide

What is a SIN card?

A SIN card or Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada is a nine-digit number used for identification purposes, primarily for work and access to government programs and benefits. It’s necessary for earning money in Canada, filing taxes, and accessing government services.

To obtain a SIN, you typically need to provide specific documents that prove your identity and legal status in Canada. You generally can’t get it before you move to Vancouver, and have to get it when you’re here. So you can start work right away, it’s best to just go into a Service Canada location as soon as you arrive, it’s easy and you get your number right away.

Service Canada issues SINs in a paper format called the Confirmation of SIN letter, as they no longer provide plastic SIN cards due to security concerns.

SIN cards do not have an expiration date and last a lifetime.

Eligibility and Types of SINs

To be eligible for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident authorized to work in Canada. There are two main types of SINs: permanent and temporary. Permanent SINs are issued to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and do not have an expiry date. On the other hand, temporary SINs are issued to temporary residents, such as those with work or study permits, and these numbers start with the digit 9. It’s important to note that temporary SINs come with an expiry date, which aligns with the end date of your authorization to work in Canada. Always ensure your SIN is valid and renew it if your status in Canada changes.

Where can I apply for a SIN number in Vancouver through Service Canada?

It is recommended you go in-person and apply for a SIN at a Service Canada Centre. Find one in your area here: Employment and Social Development Canada Find a Service Canada Office

Do I need an appointment?

You can just show up, but there may be a wait. You can find an appointment here: Employment and Social Development Canada Welcome to the eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool

How long does it take to get my SIN number?

• In-person: You will get a SIN immediately.
• Online: 5-15 days.

How to apply for a SIN number?

Depending on where you are from you or how you are applying will need to provide different documents. You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident with a work or study permit that allows you to work in Canada.

1. Gather permit and passport: If you are a temporary resident, you will need your work or study permit. You will also need your passport.
2. Choose your application method: You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

• Recommended ⭐️ In person: Visit a Service Canada Centre. This is a good option if you need your SIN immediately as they give it to you when you go in, or if you need assistance, or have issues with your application.
• Online: This is the easiest way. You’ll need to provide electronic copies of your documents. This is not instant and will take around 5-15 days.
• By mail: Send copies of your documents along with the application form to the address provided by the Government of Canada. If you send your documents by registered mail, they will be returned in the same way.

1. Complete and submit your application: Fill out the application form available on the Government of Canada’s website. Include all necessary documents and follow the instructions for your chosen method of application.

After submitting your application, you will receive your SIN either immediately (if applying in person) or within 20 business days if applying online or by mail. There’s no fee to apply.

Apply for your SIN here:

Employment and Social Development Canada Social Insurance Number – Apply, update or obtain a SIN confirmation

How to apply for SIN for international students

Coming soon!

If you are returning to Canada after living abroad:

I already have a SIN as I am a Canadian and lived and worked in BC before. I submitted an application so they know I'm back in Canada and it is reactivated. I think this is the easiest way to do it.

1. I applied online here:
2. Employment and Social Development Canada Social Insurance Number – Apply, update or obtain a SIN confirmation
3. It took 6 days (4 business days) only for them to process it. I got an email from NASe-Public.NePasRepondre-eSIN-Public.NoReply@servicecanada.gc.ca which felt sketchy, but is legitimate.
4. In the email, it prompted me to sign into My Services Canada Account . You should set this up right away as you might need your SIN Application number, and it expires after some time.
1. Creating a My Services Canada Account account

You will need either:

2. SIN
3. Birth Registration number
4. Unique Client Identifier (UCI) (For immigrants)
5. Then
6. A bank account + SIN card number
7. GCKey + SIN card number
8. Provincial ID
9. I then chose Birth Registration number to fill out, then chose the SIN application number (from the Email).

Note: I did it with bank account + SIN card number. When it asked to connect with Interact, I got an error. I don't recommend that route.

Using Your SIN

Your SIN is a crucial piece of identification in Canada and is required for several essential activities:

• Working in Canada: Employers need your SIN to report your income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• Filing Taxes: You must provide your SIN when filing your income taxes. The CRA uses it to track your tax history and verify your identity.
• Accessing Government Programs and Benefits: Programs like Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) require a SIN to process your benefits.
• Opening a Bank Account: Financial institutions often require a SIN to open a bank account.
• Applying for Credit: When you apply for credit, lending institutions may ask for your SIN to assess your creditworthiness.

By understanding these uses, you can ensure you provide your SIN only when necessary and for legitimate purposes.

Keeping Your SIN Safe

Your SIN is a sensitive piece of personal information, and safeguarding it is crucial to prevent identity theft. Here are some tips to keep it safe:

• Store Securely: Use something like 1Password to keep your SIN safe.
• Avoid Carrying It: Do not carry your SIN with you unless absolutely necessary.
• Limit Sharing: Only share your SIN when required for legitimate purposes, such as with your employer or financial institutions.
• Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit report to ensure your SIN is not being used fraudulently.
• Report Issues: If you suspect your SIN has been stolen or compromised, contact Service Canada immediately.

Next steps

Get a bank account:

Get your driver’s license:

Find a job in Vancouver: