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How to Apply for/Extend a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
This is not a legal document and information may change without notice.
Always refer to http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/ for the most updated information.
WHEN TO APPLY:
COST:
PROCESSING TIME:
HOW:
APPLICATION FORM:
After receiving either:
 A work permit
 OR an on-campus job offer (with a valid study permit)
Free
Same-day for the number; approx. 2-3 weeks for the card
In-person at any Service Canada Centre
(www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-srch.cgi?app=hme&ln=eng)
Not applicable
GENERAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (additional documents may be required)

If you have a valid work permit:
 Original passport
 Original work permit

If you have an on-campus job offer and a valid study permit:
 Original passport
 Original study permit
 Original job offer letter or contract of employment from your employer with the following information:
o Sex of the student
o Date of birth of the student
o Surname, Given Name of the student
o Address of student
o Study Permit Document Number (beginning with the letter "F")
o Date the Study Permit was signed
o Valid until date of the Study permit
o Name of the On-Campus Department or On-Campus Business hiring the student
o Employer's Name
o Civic address where the work will be performed
o Employer's Signature
o Employer's Telephone number
o Student’s start and end dates of employment which must fall within the dates indicated in
the fields “DATE SIGNED” and “VALID UNTIL” of the study permit
o Signature of student and date signed
Note: Your employer may use this sample contract and print it on company letterhead:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/pdf/employmentcontract-2012-eng.pdf
International House • 1783 West Mall • Phone: 604.822.5021
www.students.ubc.ca/international • Updated June 5, 2013 • Page 1 of 2
TIPS

To extend or amend a SIN (e.g. change your name), follow the same application instructions.

The closest Service Canada Centre from UBC is the West Broadway Centre.
o 1263 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
o Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
o Take the 99 B-Line bus, get off at Granville Street, and walk three blocks east.

Your SIN will typically expire when your study permit expires.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am not eligible
for a SIN. How
can I submit my
Canadian taxes?
To get a SIN, you need either:
 A work permit
 OR an on-campus job offer (with a valid study permit).
To submit Canadian taxes, you need either:
 A SIN
 OR an Individual Tax Number (ITN)
If you are not eligible for a SIN, apply for an ITN.
What should I do
if I lose my SIN
card?
Follow the same application instructions. There is a $10 replacement charge.
AFTER YOU GET IT

Remember to keep your SIN valid by renewing your SIN each time you extend your temporary
residency in Canada (for example, when you extend your study permit or get a post-graduation work
permit.)
International House • 1783 West Mall • Phone: 604.822.5021
www.students.ubc.ca/international • Updated June 5, 2013 • Page 2 of 2