How long does it take to recieve your SI number? This it appears it rather important as you need it for your driving licence and other documents etc

Technically the only people who should know your SIN are the taxman and your employer, and your bank if you will be earning interest. (cos its taxable). Dont remember if you have to give it to get a health card.

Even applying for credit you DONT have to give a SIN, although it makes it easier for them to check credit rating (or lack thereoff). I am getting more and more wary of giving it out as it is a security risk for identity theft.

Usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive after you apply, but if you really need to know it you can phone a few days after applying and get it verbally.

Employers will take proof of application as meaning you are allowed to work, and should be happy to wait for confirmation, in the mean time they can pay dedutions into a holding account.

Should not need to give SIN for a driving license?

Thanks for the tips....

Hijacking again, apologies.

Can anyone tell me where to find out which number on your SIN relates to which province? Mine was issued to me overseas and I'm just curious to know where they've assigned me to...

Many thanks,

Biiiiink

They can't "assign" you to any particular area.

The first number indicates which province you applied from. Starts with 1 in the East and goes higher as you move West. So mine begins with a 1 because I lived in NS when I applied, and I believe they begin with a 4 in Ontario. However, SINs that begin with a 9 are reserved for temporary SINs, such as people on time-limited work permits, refugees, etc. Once you get your PR you will apply for a permanent number with the appropriate province-related number.

Mines a 5 in ontario. I had no idea about this geographic thing Having a "9" card sucked though!

Thanks for that Anya. Mine begins with a "1" too - I applied from Scotland which I guess to the processing centre is about as far east as it gets!

Just to clarify, I'm a citizen who never had a SIN, so I was allowed to apply from abroad. This is obviously not the case for PRs/hopeful PRs who must wait until they're in Canada.

Biiiiink

I have just gone in this morning to get my sin number sorted out. I have been here a year now and in that time I have managed to be on a bank account (admittingly my husband is a citizen so that may have something to do with it), got a visa card in my name (again husband is second cardholder so as before), got my drivers licence and got my health card. All this time I wasnt even a PR as the applications were in for sponsorship. I took it to be that SIN were really important for the job and tax side of things.

Oh and they said it would be through in 2 to 3 weeks. Does this mean I can now work although I dont have the number in my hand?

Yes, just keep the paperwork handy in case they want to see proof of application

I didn't need it for my health card...

SIN is equivalent to national insurance number in UK, so as previosuyl posted, only banks and your employers need to know for tax reasons.

there is no signature or photo on it, just your name and expiration date if this is warranted for you (eg if you have a work permit)

They didnt give me proof of application. Oh well, another 4 weeks of sat on my backside not being able to work!!

You must have something? Oh well, sitting on your arse, its the Novascotian way Once you get some money paid into your EI you can start claiming the poggie, and then we wont be able to tell you from the locals

I know...major stereotype allert!

Nope they gave me nothing and when I spoke to an English friend here she said they never gave her anything either. Very strange. Poggie though is one thing I wont be doing.,...I want to stand out from the locals thank you!!!lol