Apply for a Social Insurance Number
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?
Start with Service Canada's application guide when you need your first Social Insurance Number. Its selector matches document requirements to your situation and preferred application route. The official page offers online, postal and in-person paths. Keep identity documents and your number private; this guide only helps you find the correct government service.
Where to begin
- Open Service Canada's SIN guide and select your situation.
- Read the document checklist for your chosen application route.
- Complete the application directly with Service Canada.
Before you open the official service
For a SIN application, the exact primary document depends on your status in Canada. Use Service Canada’s situation selector before submitting.
- Prepare a primary document proving status. The additional documents depend on whether you apply for yourself or for a child, and on the chosen application route.
- For online or in-person applications, a secondary identity document is required for applicants at or above the age of majority, not minor children. A parent or guardian applying for a child has their own identity-document requirements.
- Name changes require supporting documents linking the names. Documents outside English or French need the specified translation evidence.
- Online applications use clear copies of both sides including borders. Mail and in-person routes require originals.
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Service Canada determines whether your documents and application meet its requirements. Do not enter your SIN or identity documents into this guide.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Forms and checklists
Practical questions
What does this route cost?
Service Canada charges no fee to apply for a Social Insurance Number.
How long can this route take?
For complete SIN applications, Service Canada currently gives these approximate processing periods. Missing documents can delay the result.
- Online: about 5 business days. Receive it through MSCA if eligible, or by mail.
- By mail: about 20 business days, with the confirmation sent by mail.
- Contact the SIN Program if nothing has arrived after more than 10 business days online or 25 by mail. It cannot give you a SIN by phone.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.