Importance of Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada

Before joining an employment in Canada, one would definitely need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Without this number, no employer can hire you legally. This SIN number is also required to pay any taxes on the income or you want to apply for a Government Job.

To apply for a SIN card, you would need to go to a Service Canada Centre. You can also Call 1-800-206-7218 to find the centre nearest to you.

At the Service Canada Centre, you need to complete an application form. You must also show them your documents to prove who you are and to confirm your immigration status. To learn which documents they accept, visit the Service Canada website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca or phone the number above.

When they accept your application, they will send you a card with your SIN on it.

If you are joining any service, you employer would like to see the SIN card before hiring you. You must show your SIN card to the employer within three (3) days of joining the job.

If your SIN starts with the number “9” it is a temporary SIN. Before an employer can hire you, he must also see your employment authorization (work permit) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

SIN Card also serves as identification proof or to check your credit rating. Never show your SIN card or give your number to people who do not require it. There is no law that stops a business from asking you for your SIN, but you do not need to show it to them.

Some scrupulous persons use stolen or lost SIN cards to access important personal information or to steal from people, the government and businesses.

If somebody gets a job and uses your SIN, you have to pay taxes on the money they make.

The law says you must show your SIN to government departments of all levels and to all institutions from which you earn income or interest (banks, credit unions).