Resources
Getting your Social Insurance Number before your first job
Every employer in Canada needs your SIN to pay you. Here's how to get one and how to keep it safe.
First Step Career · Aug 23, 2026 · 3 min read
ResourcesYour Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number you need to work in Canada and to get government benefits.
Getting one
You apply through Service Canada, online, by mail or in person. You'll need a primary identity document, such as a birth certificate or a document showing your status in Canada. Check the Service Canada website for the current list.
When to give it to an employer
Give your SIN to an employer once you've been hired, usually on your first day or when you fill out onboarding forms. You don't need it to apply.
Keep it safe
- Don't carry the number in your wallet
- Don't give it out on an application form or over text
- Don't share it with anyone who contacts you out of the blue about a job
If an "employer" asks for your SIN before an interview or an offer, treat it as a warning sign.
Other paperwork to expect
On your first day you may also fill out tax forms (TD1) and give banking details for direct deposit.
