Overview
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada, a Canadian government department. You need a SIN before starting work in Canada, to file taxes, as well as access government programs and benefits.
Certain students who are not eligible for a SIN, such as exchange students without a study permit, can get an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead.
International students study permit conditions
International students 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. It is very important to follow a few steps to make sure your study permit allows you to work in Canada and to get a SIN.
To be eligible for a SIN, you must have a study permit with at least one of the following conditions:
- “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria”
- “May work 20 hours per week off campus or full time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations”
- “May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies"
You can also apply if you have a work permit, such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or a spousal work permit.
Applying for a SIN as an international student
We recommend that you apply for a SIN online. You can also apply by mail or request an in-person appointment if you face barriers applying online.
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 confirmation of a SIN, even if you do not have a Canadian mailing address.
In addition to your study or work permit, you will need a copy of your passport. If the document is not in English or French, you will need to translate the document.
Your SIN will usually have the same expiry date as your study or work permit.
Extending your SIN
Make sure you keep your SIN valid by extending it each time you extend your temporary residency in Canada, such as getting your extended study permit or your Post-Graduation Work Permit. If you get a co-op work permit and have already received a SIN from your study permit, you do not need to apply for it again. To extend your SIN, follow the same steps as applying for a new SIN number.
Maintained Status
If you applied for a new study or work permit before your current document became invalid and you haven’t received your new document yet, you can continue to use the same SIN as you wait for your permit to be issued while on "maintained status" so long as you stay in Canada.
Keeping your SIN safe
Your SIN is considered to be sensitive personal information which should not be shared - be sure to protect your SIN. Beware of fraudulent phone calls or emails asking for your SIN or any other personal information.
If you have questions about SIN, you can contact them directly.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only advise international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.