Getting a social insurance number (SIN)

The social insurance number (SIN) is a nine-digit identification number required for working in Canada and receiving wages, whether on or off campus. Your SIN is confidential, and it is important to protect it from fraudulent use. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

Apply for a SIN

You can apply for your SIN online or in person.

Online

• Strongly recommended
• No need to visit a Service Canada Centre
• Complete applications are processed within 5 business days.

When you apply, you can choose to either receive your SIN electronically or by mail; we recommend the latter. Either way, once you have received the email confirmation that your application has been processed, your SIN will be available in your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You can register for MSCA as soon as you have your SIN application number, which you will receive in the email confirming that your SIN application has been processed. 

In person

• At the Service Canada office in Sainte-Foy
• You can make an appointment by completing the eServices application.

At Montreal-Trudeau Airport

• A SIN clinic is located in the public area, on the basement level (SS2), near the Biron Health Center. To get there: From the international arrivals level, take the stairs or the elevator located near gate 28.
• Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Required documents

Primary identity document

Provide 1 of the following documents:

• Work permit issued by IRCC
• Study permit issued by IRCC which indicates the permit holder “may work” or “may accept employment.” If none of these conditions appear on your study permit and should have, you must apply to amend your study permit and wait for your new permit before applying for a SIN. Applying to amend your study permit doesn’t cost anything.

Secondary document

Provide one document that must contain the legal name (family name and given name) and the date of birth (example: passport).

Renewing your study permit or work permit

You can continue to work if you have maintained your status, even if your SIN has expired. Your SIN will have to be extended each time you renew your study permit or work permit. If you apply online, select “Change of the Expiry Date (900 series SIN)” under “Application Type”.

Becoming a permanent resident

You have to apply for a new SIN when you become a permanent resident. If you apply online, select “Change of Status” under “Application Type”.

Presentations

The Bureau de la vie étudiante – BVE (Student Life Office) regularly offers presentations about this. See their website for details.