SIN: what it means for students
Social Insurance Number. What it means, who decides it and where to check the official source.
A SIN is a nine-digit number that Canada uses for work and tax records; you apply for it yourself and should never pay anyone to get it.
In more detail
A Social Insurance Number is used by employers and government programs to track work income and taxes. Someone who plans to work in Canada will usually be asked for one.
Having a SIN is not a work authorisation. Whether you may work is determined by your permit and its conditions, not by the number.
Treat the number as private. Do not share it by message or with anyone who asks for it before a real job or official process requires it.
Who decides
The federal government's Service Canada issues SINs.
Where to check
- Government of Canada
Service Canada pages explain how to apply for a SIN.
What to ask a counsellor
- What should I do about a SIN after I arrive, and where do I read the official steps?
Related terms
Questions about a term?
Bring it to a free counselling session. We explain how schools and programs work and help you prepare questions. We do not give immigration advice.
Independent advice
- Study Master Canada is an independent education counselling firm. We are an authorized agent of certain colleges and universities, directly and through recruitment partners, and the institutions compensate us. Our counselling is free to you.
- We help you choose a program and connect you with the college.
- We do not determine eligibility or funding, and we are not affiliated with any government.
- Regulated immigration work is done only by Visa Master Canada, a licensed RCIC partner, and only when you retain them directly.