Registering a Social Insurance Number is the primary step to accessing government services and benefits in Canada. The SIN number must be renewed or updated when your personal information changes or your temporary residence status is extended. This passage will introduce requirements, processes, and other related issues about SIN number update.
What is Social Insurance Number
The social insurance number, known as SIN, is a 9-digit code issued by Service Canada to Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents. It serves as a unique identifier to check tax, pensions, and credit history. Therefore, you must keep it private and not share it with anyone for illegal use. It is free of charge to obtain the number. For temporary foreign residents, SIN starts with the number “9” and its validity is related to the expiry date of the work visa, residence permit, or other immigration documents.
Eligibility for SIN Number
Anyone who wants to work in Canada or claim government benefits and services is eligible to apply for SIN, including:
- Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents
You can obtain a SIN no matter how old you are. Children aged 12 years old or older can have their parents or legal guardians apply for it on their behalf. SIN number renewal is not necessary as it will remain valid for a lifetime.
- Canadian Temporary Residents
You can apply for SIN if you have a work permit, student visa, or other residence permit that allows you to work in Canada. It must be renewed before or after it expires.
When to Renew SIN Number
As a temporary worker in Canada, your SIN will no longer be valid as your immigration document expires. Therefore, you have to renew it after getting a new work permit or changing your immigration status in the country. Additionally, SIN number update is required if you legally change your name or gender.
How to Renew Expired SIN Number
SIN number renewal is quite straightforward and can be done online, in person, or by mail. Here are detailed steps for each way.
Online Renewal
It is the most convenient way to update SIN number online. It takes only a few minutes to renew online through the following steps.
- Visit the Canada official SIN website.
- Read the “Terms and Conditions” and “Privacy Statement” and check the box at the end of each section to agree to them.
- Select who you are applying for from the drop-down list and click on the “Next” button.
- Fill out all required fields marked with an asterisk (*). Please note that the application must be done within 45 minutes, otherwise, it will be canceled and you have to start a new one.
- Upload clear and legible digital copies of all required documents.
- Receive the SIN digitally or SIN confirmation letter by mail. Your application will be processed in 5 working days.
In Person
If you have no access to Internet services, you can renew the SIN number in person. Just bring all required documents to the nearby Service Canada Centre, fill out the application form, and submit the required documents. Some might require you to book an appointment. It is suggested to contact the staff there and check the specific requirements.
By Mail
Mail renewal is designed for migrants and international students, which should be done through the steps below.
- Complete the Application Form. The form can be obtained on the website of Service Canada Centre or by calling 1-866-274-6627 (from within Canada) or 1-506-548-7961 (from outside Canada).
- Prepare an original valid identity document and other necessary supporting documents.
- Mail the completed form and the documents to this address
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB, E2A 4T1
Required Documents for SIN Number Renewal
Applicants should submit a set of documents to prove their identity and legal stay in Canada. In-person or mail applications require only original documents while online applications require digital copies. If the original copies are non-English or non-French, an attested English or French translation should also be included. The required documents for SIN number update are listed below.
- Primary identity document
It serves as proof of identity and status in Canada. Acceptable documents vary according to your civil status.
| Status of Applicants | Examples |
| Canadian citizens | ● Birth certificate issued by the provincial or state vital statistics agency; Or ● Certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC); Or ● Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977 |
| Permanent residents | ● Permanent resident card issued by IRCC or CIC; Or ● Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC |
| Temporary Residents | ● Work permit issued by IRCC or CIC; Or ● Study permit issued by IRCC or CIC and allowing to work in Canada; |
| Individuals born outside Canada and registered under the Indian Act | ● Birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth; and ● Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada |
| Individuals living outside Canada with no legal status in Canada but qualifying for Canadian government benefits or pensions | ● A birth certificate issued by a state authority from your country of birth; and ● Proof of eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, or Régime des rentes du Québec |
- Primary identity document
It refers to government-issued identity documents, such as a valid passport, driver’s license, Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. The document must show your legal name and date of birth.
- Proof of Address
It is required for online renewal. A bank statement, utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement is accepted.
- Other supporting documents
Extra documents are needed if the name on any document stated above does not match that on the SIN application, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for legal name change, adoption certificate, or request to Amend Record of Landing.
Temporary Resident SIN vs. Permanent Resident SIN
Both temporary and permanent residents can obtain a SIN. All SINs work for the same purpose, but temporary resident SIN and permanent resident SIN look different. The former always starts with the number “9” while the latter does not. The validity SIN number for temporary residents is linked to the expiry date on immigration documents. Moreover, if your status changes from temporary residency to permanent residency or Canadian citizenship, you should request a new SIN. On the contrary, the SIN number for permanent residents will not be invalidated unless the owner changes his/her name or gender.
Where to Find SIN Number
The SIN number is linked with an individual’s tax and employment records, so you can find the number on any of the following documents.
- Physical SIN card.
- Tax documents, such as a tax form, confirmation or summary of tax returns, or tax slips.
- Employment record.
- RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)contribution.
FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to update SIN number?
A: It is free of charge to apply for or update the number.
Q: How many days it will take to update SIN number?
A: It usually takes 5 business days after submitting the application.
Q: Where to get SIN number?
A: It should be applied from the Service Canada portal or center.
Conclusion
The SIN number should be updated if it expires or if your personal information changes. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary foreign workers renew SIN number online, in person, or by mail. You should choose the most convenient way according to your location and immigration status. No matter which way you choose, it is necessary to prepare all required documents and follow our instructions.
Erin Lo