Everything You Need to Know About Your SIN Number
A social insurance number (SIN number) is a unique number administered by the Canadian government to identify yourself. You need this number to have a job in Canada, which is why we require it before starting a role.
SIN numbers are required to work in Canada and access some government programs legally. But, it is important to keep this number safe and not hand it out unnecessarily. If it gets into the wrong hands, you could experience an invasion of privacy, identity theft, or loss of government benefits, tax refunds, or bank credits.
It sounds scary, but don’t worry. There are steps you can take to protect your SIN number. So, we put together a complete guide on your SIN number, why it’s important, and how to protect it.
What is a SIN Number?
A Social Insurance Number is:
“a confidential 9-digit number administered by Service Canada to identify yourself.”
You need a SIN number whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident. When you receive a copy, you’ll typically receive confirmation of SIN in a paper format or a plastic SIN card.
Applying for your SIN right away is good, so you’ll have it when needed. If you are getting a temporary work or study permit, a temporary SIN will be issued with the same expiry date as the permit as long as all necessary documents are provided. The required documents depend on your status.
To apply for your SIN number, click here.
Why are SIN Numbers important?
You need a SIN number to:
Legally get a job in Canada
Pay taxes
Contribute to pension plans
Use government services
This is why some services ask you for your SIN before starting a job or filing your taxes. Just ensure you know when and when not to provide your SIN number.
How to Keep Your SIN Number Safe
It’s illegal for anyone else to use your SIN number, and you are responsible for protecting it. According to the Government of Canada, here are some things you can do to protect your SIN:
Do not carry your SIN in a wallet or purse; instead, store it in a safe place that can’t get lost or stolen
Never use your SIN as a piece of identification
Only provide your SIN when it is legally required
Only give your SIN by phone if you made the call and know that it is legally required (never give your SIN out to someone who called you)
Do not reply to emails that ask for personal information, such as your SIN
Shred paper records that contain your SIN when you no longer need them (do not recycle them)
Update the SIN program with changes to your name or citizenship status or to indicate if your SIN record is wrong or incomplete
Take action right away to protect your SIN if you suspect someone is using it fraudulently
So, you may need to provide your SIN when you are hired, do your taxes, open a bank account where you earn interest, or access government programs and benefits. You should never provide your SIN to anyone outside of those.
For more information on keeping your SIN safe and when to give it out, click here.
Why We Require a SIN Number
We need your SIN number so you can get a job and get paid! You can give a SIN card or SIN confirmation letter issued by the government of Canada. We’ll only use this documentation to verify your eligibility to work in Canada. So, no copy will be made.
We ask you to provide a SIN number before securing a job. Since the nature of temporary employment is often urgent, we want to get you on the job ASAP. So, providing it beforehand can help your chances of finding a job.
Scenario 1: You don’t have a SIN number on file, and a company needs a candidate to come in that afternoon. While waiting for your SIN number, someone else gets the job because they were dispatched sooner.
Scenario 2: You have a SIN number on file, and we contact you immediately to be the first to be sent to a job!
Although you don’t HAVE to provide it to us before getting a job, it can help you get a role and get paid faster. Therefore, we strongly recommend it.
If you’re planning to visit a Job Hub, click here to see what else you need to bring!
We take your privacy very seriously. All the information you provide is secure, meaning it’s not shared with anyone else.