The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is the single most important unique identifier necessary for working and studying in Canada, performing bank operations, and accessing government benefits. This 9-digit unique identifier is essential for tax purposes, pensions, and credit history.
If you are a temporary Canadian worker or student without permanent residency or citizenship, your SIN will begin with the number “9” and is only valid until the expiry date specified on your immigration documents. In this case, you will have to renew your SIN number to match the expiry date of your immigration documents.
In this blog post, we will show you how to renew your Social Insurance Number in Canada. We’ll outline the necessary documents needed to update SIN number, provide guidance on how to renew SIN number online, by mail, or in person, and address any queries you may have about updating your SIN information in Canada
How to Renew SIN Number Online
Once you have all your documents and information ready, you can begin your SIN renewal online. Completing your SIN number update online is a simple and seamless process.
First, you will need to visit the Service Canada webpage for SIN applications. Once on the webpage, scroll to the bottom and click ‘Apply Online’.
It will direct you to the SIN online application. Enter all the required information, submit all necessary documents and click ‘Submit’.
When you are done, you will receive an ‘Application Confirmation Number’ indicating that you have successfully completed your SIN renewal application. Service Canada will review your application and provide a response within 10 business days from when your application was submitted.
If you don’t receive a response after 10 business days, you can contact the SIN program.
How To Renew SIN Number By Mail
Renewing your SIN number by mail is just as easy as the online process. You are only required to submit the primary required documents and other supporting documents.
In addition to all the required documents, you will also need to complete and sign the SIN application form (If you cannot print the SIN application form, you can order one by phone at 1-866-274-6627).
Mail your SIN application and all required documents to this address:
Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada
If you submit your application by mail, Service Canada will return your documents by mail once your application is completed.
How To Renew SIN Number In-Person
You can also walk into any physical Service Canada office nearest to you to complete your SIN update in person. To update SIN number in person, you must find out if your local Service Canada office is open, and then you can request an appointment.
Once your appointment date and time are set and you have all the required documents, you can walk into the Service Canada office and get your SIN number. Be rest assured that you get your SIN number during your visit.
Required Documents for SIN Renewal in Canada
To renew your SIN number, all your documents must be:
- The original documents (digital copies for online and hardcopies for Mail and in-person application)
- Valid (not expired documents)
- Clear, readable and complete by showing the entire document including the borders
- And must be in English or French (you can see the translation requirements if your document is in another language)
To prove your identity and status in Canada, you must provide any of the following documents:
- A work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
- A study permit issued by IRCC or CIC indicating the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
- A visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC which shows that you are authorized to work in Canada
- A diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
You can contact IRCC if you don’t have a work permit or have issues with your study permit.
To confirm your identity, you must provide any of the following documents. The documents must include your legal name (family name and given name) and date of birth.
- A Canadian or foreign passport (Canadian or foreign)
- A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, or a driver’s license
- Any other Canadian government-issued ID
If your name on any of the documents provided is different from the name on your SIN application, you must provide a legal document stating the most recent name used.
Why Must You Renew Your SIN?
There are a few scenarios where you will need to renew your SIN number in Canada, including:
- If you change your name
- If you would like to have your disc number removed from your SIN record
- If you change your gender designation
- If your temporary SIN (SINs starting with 9) expires
As a temporary worker in Canada, you have to update or renew your SIN anytime the expiry date doesn’t align with the expiry date on your work authorization document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If you have applied for work or study renewal, and your permit expires before the IRCC reaches a decision, you may choose to continue working or studying under the same conditions. However, you must remain in Canada during this time. This is known as “maintained status” (previously called implied status).
The maintained status will remain until a decision is made by IRCC. So, you can work even though your SIN has expired. You can contact the IRCC for more information about maintained status during processing, contact IRCC.
Whenever IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you have to apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on your SIN record must align with the date on your immigration document.
Where Can I Find My SIN Number?
If you’re not sure of your SIN number, you can easily find it online by signing into your CRA My Account. However, if you do not have a CRA My Account or can’t sign in, you can also find your SIN Number on your:
- Tax slips
- Income tax return
- Record of Employment
- RRSP contribution forms
Can You Renew an Expired SIN?
Once the expiry date on your SIN has passed, you need to visit a Service Canada office to find out if you can extend the date. Whether or not this extension is possible depends on your intention to remain in Canada and whether you possess the necessary documents to prove your status in the country.
Does SIN Number Expire for Permanent Residents?
No, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) does not expire for permanent residents of Canada. Once issued, a SIN remains valid indefinitely for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.
However, it’s essential to keep personal information associated with the SIN up-to-date with Service Canada, to ensure smooth access to services and benefits.
Final Thoughts on How to Renew SIN Number in Canada
Protecting your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is crucial for safeguarding your identity. Unauthorized access to your SIN could lead to identity theft and fraudulent activities. Avoid sharing your SIN unless absolutely necessary, and when you do, make sure it’s done through a secure email address.
If your SIN is nearing its expiration date, you can easily renew it to ensure continued access to essential services and benefits. This guide outlines the steps you need to follow to navigate the renewal process smoothly and remain compliant with government regulations.
Remember to gather all necessary documents, accurately complete the required forms, and submit your application through the designated channels.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Service Canada for support.
