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Getting a social insurance number (SIN)

  • 19-03-2019 5:18pm
    #1
    Scarinae
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 11,362 ✭✭✭✭


    Is it possible to get a social insurance number (SIN) before arriving in Canada? I'm heading over in a few weeks on an IEC but am trying to sort out work before I get there.

    It says to apply for one you need 'Work permit issued by IRCC or CIC' - does this specifically mean the work permit that I'll get at the airport when I land? I have the letter saying my application to work in Canada has been approved, but of course the permit isn't issued until I enter the country.

    Thanks in advance for any advice!


Comments

  • #2
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    You can't get it before you land and there's no need to sort it out before you get here. Just have all your documents ready if you want to be prepared.

    - 2 year health insurance
    - Bank statement (no older than 1 week of arrival date I think) showing $2,500+ CAD equivalent.
    - POE Landing letter
    (all printed off / originals if you can)

    If you're arriving in Toronto you can get your SIN number in the airport after you are issued your actual visa. They just need any address of hotel/airbnb to put on it. No need to update the address at all. My bank thinks I still live in a travel lodge :-)


  • #3
    Elite Woad Raider
    Closed Accounts Posts: 77 ✭✭Elite Woad Raider


    It's now mandatory to get your SIN at the airport. You might have to wait an hour or two when you first land. If you miss your connecting flight they will put you on another.


  • #4
    circular flexing
    Registered Users Posts: 2,581 ✭✭✭circular flexing


    Elite Woad Raider wrote: »
    It's now mandatory to get your SIN at the airport. You might have to wait an hour or two when you first land. If you miss your connecting flight they will put you on another.


    The only airport with a Service Canada office to issue a SIN is in Toronto. There is no Service Canada in Vancouver or any other airport.


  • #5
    Scarinae
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 11,362 ✭✭✭✭Scarinae


    I am now living in Montreal but went through Toronto in transit when I arrived (in April) so that is where I did the immigration stuff. They did advise me that I could get my SIN at the airport but I decided to get my connecting flight instead, and just went to my nearest Service Canada when I'd settled in. It was really straightforward.


  • #6
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    Scarinae wrote: »
    I am now living in Montreal but went through Toronto in transit when I arrived (in April) so that is where I did the immigration stuff. They did advise me that I could get my SIN at the airport but I decided to get my connecting flight instead, and just went to my nearest Service Canada when I'd settled in. It was really straightforward.

    How is Montreal?


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