Social Insurance Number (SIN)
International students must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to receive employment income in Canada.
What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
A SIN is a confidential nine-digit number that's required to receive income in Canada
You're required by Canadian law to provide your SIN to your employer within three (3) working days after the day you begin employment with them
Your study permit will authorize you to work in Canada and must have a statement regarding your eligibility to work in Canada.
How to obtain your SIN
You can apply in-Canada at a Service Canada office, online, or by paper (via the mail). Learn more by visiting How to Apply.
Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit? Search locations
SINs and taxes in Canada
A SIN also makes you eligible to receive benefits and services from government programs (such as personal income tax refunds).
Where to obtain your SIN
You can obtain a SIN by applying online or by mail. Learn more by visiting this website.
There are also several Service Canada offices in Calgary. The three locations closest to the UCalgary campus are:
- Calgary One Executive Place Service Canada Centre
- Address: 1816 Crowchild Trail NW
- Nearest CTrain station: Banff Trail
- Calgary Centre Service Canada Centre (Harry Hayes Building)
- Address: Suite 150, 220 4th Avenue SE
- Nearest Ctrain station: Center Street
- Calgary Royal Vista Service Canada Centre
- Address: 15 Royal Vista Place NW
- Nearest CTrain station: Tuscany
Documents you'll need to provide
- Required documents are listed in the Application Guide:
- Passport
- Study Permit (with statement of eligibility to work in Canada) or Visitor Record showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
- Proof of address (if applying online)
- Certificate of marriage; certificate of divorce, or legal change of name certificate (if name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application)
Keeping your SIN secure
Your SIN is a confidential number.
Visit Protecting your Social Insurance Number website to learn how to protect your personal information, and for details about who you should or should not share your SIN with.
What if my temporary SIN expires?
If your SIN begins with a "9", you must update your SIN to ensure the expiry date aligns with the expiry date on your study permit.
If you have applied to extend your study permit and are awaiting a decision, you can continue to work under "implied status" even though your SIN may have expired. Refer to the Service Canada website here: