Renewing Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) As A Temporary Foreign Worker

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is needed to work in Canada. But what about temporary foreign workers? Do they require a SIN to be employed in Canada, and can they even get one?

Key Points

• Temporary foreign workers are required to have a SIN to legally work in Canada.
• A temporary SIN expires when the work permit expires.
• It’s important for temporary foreign workers to renew their SINs in order to continue working in Canada.
• Sins can be renewed either online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office.

How To Renew Your SIN As A Temporary Foreign Worker?

There are several ways a temporary foreign worker can apply for or renew their Social Insurance Number (SIN):

Apply For Or Renew A SIN Online

You can apply online by visiting this government webpage. You’ll need to have the following documents handy if you’re applying online:

• Copy of primary identity document
• Copy of secondary document
• Copy of proof of address
• Original valid supporting document

Apply For Or Renew A SIN In Person

You can apply in person at your local Service Canada Centre after requesting an appointment. To do this, you’ll need the originals of the following: 

• Primary identity document
• Secondary document
• Valid supporting document

Apply For Or Renew A SIN Through The Mail

You can mail this form to apply for your SIN. You’ll also need to include the following in your package:

• Original primary identity document
• Original valid supporting document

Mail your SIN application to this address:

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB, E2A 4T1

Documents Required To Apply For Or Renew A SIN

When applying for a SIN or renewing one that’s expiring, a handful of documents are required, as mentioned. Here’s what each document is, and examples of each:

When Must You Renew Your SIN? 

There are a few scenarios in which you’ll need to renew your SIN, including the following: 

• Change of name
• Change of gender designation
• If your temporary SIN (starting with “9”) expires

As a temporary worker, you’ll need to update or renew your SIN when the expiry date doesn’t match the expiry date found on your work authorization agreement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

What About “Implied Status”?

In some cases, temporary workers may have “implied status”. This occurs when you apply to renew your work permit and the permit expires prior to the IRCC making a decision on your application. During this time, you have the right to continue working despite your expired SIN, until a decision is made on your application. 

To continue working under these circumstances, you must still be living in Canada. Once the IRCC accepts your application, you’re responsible for updating your SIN with the new immigration document. 

How To Check The Status Of Your SIN Application Or Renewal

You can check the status of your SIN application or renewal in the following ways:

If You Applied Online

Your online application will be processed within 5 business days from the time of application, as long as all requirements are met. You’ll receive a confirmation email when your application is received, and a second email when your application is processed, at which time your SIN will be available by signing in or registering for My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

If You Applied By Mail

If you applied for a SIN by mail, your application will be processed in 20 business days from the time of application, as long as all requirements are met. 

What Is A SIN?

A SIN is a nine-digit number issued by Service Canada to those who are legally allowed to work in Canada. So, to work in Canada or access government programs, you must have a SIN. Applying for one is free of charge. 

Can Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) Get A SIN?

Yes, temporary foreign workers can get a SIN, as it allows them to legally work and access government benefits. However, it’s important to note that a SIN issued to TFWs is temporary. These SINs have expiry dates that coincide with the end date of their work permits. 

Once the work permit ends, temporary foreign workers must renew it to continue to be allowed to work in Canada. 

SINs Starting With “9”  

If you’re a temporary worker who hasn’t yet achieved permanent resident status or citizenship, your SIN will start with a “9”. In this case, you are responsible for updating your SIN’s expiry date to coincide with the expiry on your immigration documents that allow you to work in Canada. Once you update your SIN, your previous SIN will no longer be valid.

Find out your rights and responsibilities as a temporary foreign worker.

What Is The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?

Many Canadian companies hire temporary foreign workers, through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), to fill a labour or skill shortage. These temporary foreign works may enter the program through one of  the following streams:

• Express Entry, which entails an employer supporting a foreign worker to support their permanent residence application;
• Global Talent Stream, which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers with a unique and specialized skill set.
• Low-wage and High wage positions
• Agriculture, which is for work to be done on a farm, nursery or greenhouse.
• Caregivers, which is for temporary workers that offer in-home care to children, seniors, or people with other medical needs.

Learn more: Quebec.ca

Additional Reading

Working in a Foreign Country as a Canadian

Mortgages For Newcomers In Canada

Best Credit Card For Newcomers In Canada 2025

Final Thoughts

Canada has many avenues for foreign workers to find work, even if they don’t have citizenship or permanent resident status yet. If you’re a temporary foreign worker in Canada, it’s important to understand how long your work permit and SIN is valid. If your expiry date is approaching, make sure you give yourself enough time to renew your SIN to avoid any interruptions in your work here in Canada.

Renewing Your Social Insurance Number FAQs