Social Insurance Number (SIN)
About the information on this page
This is not a legal document and may change without notice. Always refer to the Government of Canada website for the most updated information.
What is a SIN?
To work in Canada, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number. Find out what it is and how you get it.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and access government programs and benefits. You will also need to provide your SIN to UBC for tax purposes.
Certain students who are not eligible for a SIN, such as one-term exchange students, can get an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead. Learn how to add your SIN or ITN in Workday.
If you are an international student, having a SIN alone is not enough to allow you to work in Canada. Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements to work in Canada.
Applying for a Social Insurance Number
Domestic students
1. E-SIN Application (Online SIN application)
2. Pre-Booked Appointment at Service Canada
You may use your original birth certificate or another primary document when you apply for your SIN. Learn how to apply for your SIN.
International students
1. E-SIN Application (Online SIN application)
2. Pre-Booked Appointment at Service Canada
You may use any one of the following documents to apply:
- A study permit that states you “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada, OR
- A work permit (e.g. co-op, post-graduation, spouse/partner work permit, special measures work permit [country-specific], etc.,).
You can only get your SIN after you’ve arrived in Canada since you first need to get your study permit at the airport or border crossing before you can apply. If you are outside of Canada and you have a study or work permit, you can apply online for a new or extended SIN or a confirmation of your SIN, even if you do not have a Canadian mailing address.
For more information about the application process, please refer to the Canada Revenue Agency website:
Eligibility for a sin as an international student
My study permit states that I can NOT work, or accept employment, but I am eligible to work according to immigration regulations
If you are eligible to work in Canada as a student but you do not have a study permit that states you “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada, you must:
- Determine if you need to “amend” or “change [the] conditions” of your study permit:
- Meet with an International Student Advisor to determine whether the “[Request to Amend Valid Temporary Resident Documents]” or “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student ” applies to you.
- Take your new study permit that states you “may work”, or “may accept employment” in person to a Service Canada Office to apply for a SIN.
Service Canada Centre
The closest Service Canada Centre to UBCO is:
Service Canada Centre
471 Queensway Avenue, Suite 106
Kelowna, BC (right next to the Queensway Bus Depot)
Toll free: +1 800 622 6232
Hours
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Saturday and Sundays.
Keep your SIN valid
If you’re an international student, make sure you keep your SIN valid by renewing your SIN each time you extend your temporary residency in Canada (for example, when you extend your study permit or get a post-graduation work permit).
To extend or amend your SIN, follow the same instructions above.
Note: International students get a SIN starting with the number ‘9,’ which lets employers know that you are a temporary resident in Canada. Your SIN will remain the same unless you become a permanent resident, at which case you can apply for a new SIN which does not start with the number ‘9.’
Questions?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada directly.
For questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada, connect with International Student Advising.
