Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

Hey guys, I just arrived in BC on a work permit, and need to sort out the SIN and a bank acc ASAP for my employer to enrol me in.
I am under quarantine for 2 weeks, so trying to figure out the quickest way to get these 2 sorted.

Any suggestions given the COVID related circumstances?

I can't seem to apply online because this says I need address proof - this is a bit of an obstacle even if I am doing at a branch after quarantine, as I won't have some official document showing address until I open bank acc or something after quarantine.
Applicants guide – Online application for Social Insurance Number - Canada.ca

For bank acc, I checked with MBO and RBC both clearly say you need to visit a branch, and online banks like Tangerine and Simplii need the SIN.

Trying to contact the SIN support line on phone at the minute, 1.5 hour waiting list...

Thanks

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

There are more options than just a bank account for proof of address. Do you have a lease or contract for where you are presently living? Do you have any utility /phone bills in your name? Do you have an employment contract with your name and address on it? Any of those is sufficient for proof of address.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-...e.html#address
Your alternative is to apply by mail :)
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-...sin/apply.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-...g.html#primary


As to the bank - you can start the process online with Scotia bank or one of the others - then make an appointment to complete it for when you have finished quarantine - people often start the process from overseas. :) They may even write to you if you ask them nicely. You will be issued with an account number etc., in advance. Lots of info in our wiki: https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Banking-Canada
https://online.royalbank.com/cgi-bin...2152#/newcomer

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

I am currently staying at a airbnb for quarantine. so no tenancy or lease documents i can show - I don't want them to send it here as i will move out soon. my employers offer letter had my uk address, guess i'll have to wait out till quarantine is over and visit a branch to get it done on the day.

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

Do you have another place to move to, once your airbnb booking has ended? If you do, then apply by mail and have it sent there (20 day maximum turnaround) - no proof of address required. If you attend in person you will need proof of address. :)
An offer letter is not a contract of employment.:)

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

Yes, I will be staying at a friends place until we find the place to rent and it will be our temporary address for all purposes.
I contacted the support line today and they did say, no address proof required when applied in person...

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

In November 2019 I applied for my SIN at the Service Canada office in Richmond, BC. They did not ask me for proof of address. They issued me with a sheet of paper with my SIN written on it along with my address. I used this sheet of paper as proof of address to open a bank account at a branch of BMO in Richmond.

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

:thumbsup:

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

Yeah I was just going to add that I'm a member of a social media group where this question comes up frequently and the recommendation always seems to be to just go to Service Canada once out of quarantine. Apparently the online application is next to useless and a lot of people are refused after weeks of waiting even when they've supplied all the right details.

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

I got a call from an officer for my query, and yeah it looks as my online application won't be accepted because any form of letter with the employer also needs to show their signature and not just mine. I have an appointment at a center soon after quarantine now to get this sorted.

While on this topic, they said, i am able to open bank account if they are non interest bearing (SIN is not required for this) - but wasnt able to figure out what type of account this would be....
I need both the SIN/bank account to get started with work, so having one without the other isnt really much use.

Re: Getting the Social insurance number (SIN) - quickest option?
 

A chequing account is non interest bearing :)
https://cba.ca/opening-a-bank-account