Does Your Social Insurance Number Start With A 9?

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This publication (SC-204-03-06) contains information on the expiry date shown on 900 series SIN card.

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Cards with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) beginning with a 9 are temporary.  They are only valid until the expiry date printed on the front of the card.

What is a Social Insurance Number?

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is used to manage various Canadian government programs. A SIN   is assigned to a person living in Canada who wishes to work in Canada or receive benefits and services from government programs.  Each  9 digit number is issued to one person only and cannot legally be used by anyone else.

You are responsible for protecting your SIN number.   Memorize your SIN. Store your SIN card in a safe place and don’t carry it with you.

More About Temporary SINs

• SINs that begin with a 9 are temporary and issued to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
• SINs are needed for employment or other authorized uses;
• A temporary SIN is valid until the end of the person’s authorized stay in Canada, as determined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada;
• Individuals needing a temporary SIN need a Work Permit/Employment authorization and a contract of employment to apply for a SIN;
• All cards beginning with a 9 which do not show an expiry date are no longer valid and must be replaced immediately; and
• There is no fee for replacing temporary cards.

What To Do If Your SOCIAL INSURNACE NUMBER Has Expired

If you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) after it has expired, you must re-apply for a new card and provide valid proof of your identity as listed below.   If you qualify, you will be issued a new SIN card, at no cost.  It will have the same number and an updated expiry date. 

Proof of Identity Documents (Provide ONE of these):

·   Work Permit /Employment Authorization;

·   Study Permit / Student authorization AND a Contract of employment (from a learning institution or employer on campus); 

·   Visitor Record indicating eligibility for work in Canada;

·   Diplomatic Identity Card AND a note of permission of employment (both issued by (Foreign Affairs Canada)[SEE MORE BELOW]

Applying For A Social Insurance Number

– Simple, Secure And Quick

Service Canada has made it easier for you to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).You simply gather the identity documents you need and take them to your nearest Service Canada Centre where an agent will help you fill out your application. Your information will be entered directly into the Social Insurance Register and if your identity documents are in order, you’ll get a Social Insurance Number before you leave. You will receive your SIN card in the mail shortly afterwards.

We encourage you to apply for your SIN in person at one of our offices. Our improved service is simple, secure and quick! Compare it to the wait of three to six weeks for a SIN when applied for by mail. Plus, you won’t have to send your valuable identity documents through the mail.

These improvements to applying for a SIN are part of a broad Service Canada initiative to offer Government of Canada clients one-stop, personalized service.

What Will Your Employer Need From You?

Your employer is required to ask you to show your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card within 3 days of starting employment.   If you have a SIN beginning with a 9, your employer is obligated to ask to see your Work Permit/Employment Authorization.  The employer must ensure that the SIN and the Work Permit/Employment Authorization documents are valid and have not expired.

Contact Us

For specific information about the Social Insurance Number program dial free of charge, 1 800 206-7218 and select option “3”.

For more information about Service Canada or to find the nearest Service Canada Centre, visit us online at servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada, TTY 1 800 926-9105.