What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number used in Canada for work and for many government programs and benefits. Service Canada explains that your SIN is private, and it is illegal for someone else to use it.

You may need a SIN to:

• work for an employer who must report your income
• file taxes and receive certain benefits
• deal with some financial accounts that must report interest or income

Service Canada no longer issues new plastic SIN cards. Older plastic cards can still be used. If you need to see your number, you can often find it on tax slips (such as a T4), on a past tax return, or by signing in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

Your SIN is not a general ID card. Do not use it like a driver’s licence or passport when a business only wants ID.

If you are new to Canada, the steps to apply can depend on your status. This course will not tell you which immigration category you are in. Use the official SIN pages on Canada.ca and get help from a settlement or adult learning worker if you need support filling forms.