Social Insurance Number

December 2007 / décembre 2007

What is Canada's Social Insurance Number?

The Social Insurance Number is a unique nine-digit number used to manage various Canadian government programs. A Social Insurance Number is assigned to a person living in Canada who wishes to work in Canada or receive benefits and services from government programs.

How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Service Canada has made it easier for you to get a Social Insurance Number, replace your Social Insurance Number card and/or amend your Social Insurance Number record. Simply gather originals of the identity documents you need and take them to your nearest Service Canada Centre where an agent will help you process your request.

If your identity documents are in order, you will get a Social Insurance Number or have your Social Insurance Number record amended before you leave. Your Social Insurance Number card will arrive in the mail shortly afterwards. A $10 fee is charged to replace a Social Insurance Number card. There is no fee to amend the name(s) on your card if you have had a legal name change (marriage, divorce, legal name change, etc.).

Should you wish to apply by mail, you will need to fill out an application form. The application form is only available in English or French and you must fill it out in English or French. Application forms are available on-line at servicecanada.gc.ca or at your local Service Canada Centre. Service Canada Centres are offices where fully-trained staff are ready to help you find the information you need on all Government of Canada programs and services.

Mail your completed application form, original identity document(s), and fee for replacement card (if applicable) to:

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

We will return your identity document(s) with your Social Insurance Number card. Please note that we are not responsible for document(s) lost in the mail. If you sent your application by registered mail, we will return your documents by registered mail. We do however suggest that you visit one of our offices to apply for your Social Insurance Number.

What documents must I provide?

You will need to provide documents that prove your identity and status in Canada when you apply for a Social Insurance Number card. You must also provide a supporting document if the name on your primary document is different from the one you are currently using. All documents must be originals.

If you are a Canadian citizen born in Canada, provide your birth certificate issued by the province or territory of your birth. We do not accept Quebec birth certificates issued before January 1, 1994. If your proof of birth was issued before this date, you must obtain a new one from the Registrar of Civil Status.

If you are a registered Indian and want to have this status indicated on your Social Insurance Number record, you must also submit a Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

If you are Canadian citizen born outside Canada, provide your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

If you are a permanent resident, provide one of the following documents issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada:

• Permanent Resident Card (this is the only acceptable document if you applied for your permanent residency from within Canada);
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Visa counterfoil (sticker) in foreign passport;
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Visa counterfoil on Single Journey Document for Resettlement in Canada;
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Visa counterfoil on United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Travel Document;
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Visa counterfoil on Red Cross Travel Document;
• Record of landing.

If you are a temporary resident, provide one of the following:

• Work Permit;
• Study Permit and a contract of employment;
• Visitor Record indicating eligibility for work in Canada;
• Diplomatic Identity and a note of permission of employment.

More information:

This is general information, offered as a convenience only. For more information on the Social Insurance Number or how to apply, visit the Service Canada Web site at servicecanada.gc.ca.