In Canada, the Social Insurance Number (SIN) is the equivalent to Social Security Number (SSN) in the U.S. . Canadian residents use SINs for government programs and as a source of identification in the private sector. Many organizations, such as financial institutions, will use the SIN to create indexing for client accounts. The Canadian government started the SIN program in 1964 to administer the Canada Pension Plan and Canadas varied employment insurance programs. In 1967, Revenue Canada (now the Canada Revenue Agency) began using SINs for tax reporting.

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and access government programs and benefits. It is also used to file taxes. Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada. SINs are needed to receive benefits and services from government programs. Generally, Canadian law bars private companies from acquiring a customers SIN. As with American SSNs, theft and misuse of SINs and the accompanying identity theft is a growing problem.

International students are eligible for a SIN only if they are earning income through employment. In order to apply for a SIN, international students must submit the original letter of employment or offer letter with the following information: employee’s (student’s) full name, employer name, address and EIN. They can apply for a SIN in person at a Service Canada Office. Their SIN will be issued the day they apply. The documents needed to apply for a SIN include a valid original primary document to prove identity and legal status in Canada, and a valid original secondary document to confirm identity.