What is a Social Insurance Number and how can I apply for it? (employment and volunteer)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number unique to you that the Canadian government requires you to have for taxation purposes if you are a worker. Without a SIN, you cannot get paid. You are required to give your employer your SIN at the time that you start working. SFU also requires students to enter a SIN or an International Tax Number (ITN) to goSFU for financial reporting purposes.

International students may apply for a SIN if they have a work permit or a study permit which has the notation that they may accept employment. Students may apply for a SIN online: https://sin-nas.canada.ca/en/Sin/.

If you are not eligible to apply for a SIN as per the above, you may connect with our office for advice on how to get the conditions on your study permit amended. Alternatively, for tax purposes, you may apply for an ITN. To apply for an ITN, you may fill in an application and mail it to address on the application form: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t1261.html Please note that you cannot work with an ITN; if you get a job in the future, you will need to apply for a SIN.