Application status and receiving your SIN
How you check your application status and get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) depends on how you applied.
When you apply, you can choose to receive your SIN online or by mail.
If you applied online
Processing time
About 5 business days (if everything is complete and all required documents are included).
Email updates
If you provided an email, you will receive:
- one email when Service Canada receives your application
- another email when your application processed
How you will receive your SIN
- Online: Sign in or register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA), to view or print your SIN
- By mail: If you are not eligible for MSCA or prefer mail, you will get your SIN confirmation letter by mail
If something is missing from your application
You will receive an email or letter by mail with instructions on what to do next.
If you applied by mail
Processing time
About 20 business days (if everything is complete and all required documents are included).
How you will receive your SIN
You will receive your SIN confirmation letter by mail.
If something is missing from your application
You will receive a letter by mail with instructions on what to do next.
If you haven't heard back
- it's been more than 10 business days since you applied online and you have not received your SIN
- it's been more than 25 business days since you applied by mail and you have not received your SIN
Service Canada cannot give you your SIN over the phone.
After you receive your SIN
Protect your SIN
Keep your SIN in a safe place and only share it when legally required. Learn more: Protect your SIN.
Update your SIN record
If your name, expiration date or status changes, update your SIN record. Learn more: Update your SIN record.
Temporary SINs
If your SIN starts with 9, extend the expiry date to match your immigration document. Learn more: SIN for temporary residents in Canada.