A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number that is issued to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who are authorized to work in Canada. It is used to track an individual’s contributions to the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance programs, and to access certain government benefits and services. Applying for a SIN is a relatively straightforward process, and can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office.
There are a number of benefits to having a SIN, including: