Apply

Required documents for yourselfthe legal representativethe parent or legal guardianthe legal representative of the estate:

1. Primary identity document

   You must provide 1 of the following documents:

   • birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
   • certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
   • certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977

   Note:

   • Most original certificates of birth and birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements by the issuing province or meet the requirements for various reasons. The SIN Program must review the document to determine its validity
   • The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994

   You must provide 1 of the following documents:

   • Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC
   • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC

     Note: If the COPR is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident, it is acceptable. After this period, the Permanent Resident Card is required

   • Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002

   When a Record of Landing or a COPR is not available

   The following may be submitted when the above documents cannot be provided:

   • Verification of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC
   • Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC

   These documents will only be accepted for making changes to a SIN record or to get a confirmation of an existing SIN.

   You must provide 1 of the following documents:

   • work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
   • study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
   • visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
   • diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

   Additional information for permits

   If you don’t have a work permit, or have issues with your study permit requirements, please contact IRCC.

   If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.

   Once IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you must apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document must match.

   You must provide both following documents:

   • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements
   • statement of contribution or letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec

   You must provide both following documents:

   • birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements; and
   • A Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada

2. Secondary document

   If you have reached the age of majority in your province or territory of residence, yYYou must provide 1 of the following documents. It must contain the legal name (family name and given name) and the date of birth.

   • a passport (Canadian or foreign)
   • a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
   • any other Canadian government-issued ID

3. SIN application form completed and signed

   If you are unable to print the application form, you can order one by phone at:

   • 1-866-274-6627 (toll free number) or,
   • if outside Canada, at 1-506-548-7961 (long distance charges will apply)

4. Proof of legal representation

   You must provide an original or certified copy of a document proving that you are legally authorized to represent the estate

5. Photo identification

   You must provide photo identification confirming your identity

   Note: Provincial and territorial employees must submit their employee photo identification

6. Documentation confirming your legal representation

   issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority

7. Letter of Authorization (Provincial and Territorial employees only)

   A letter of authorization issued by the agency and signed by the agency’s director or administrator, authorizing you to apply for a SIN on behalf of the agency; this letter must be on the agency’s letterhead

8. Documentation confirming legal guardianship (legal guardian only)

   Document issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. In Quebec, a notarized will is an acceptable document.

9. Supporting document

   If the name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application, a legal document stating the most recent name used is required