Hello all,

Really frustrating one this - no real answer but just need to vent anger and anxiety somewhere.

Turns out that the immigration UK assigned mine and my partner's Client ID numbers around the wrong way - eg I have her number and she has mine - on our landing papers so that when immigration Canada type my number in it comes up with her details and vice versa (there's no way we would have known this beforehand). We were told of this mistake when we landed but said it would be sorted and not to worry.

However it hasn't been and the problem has now lead to our SIN applications being rejected because our landing paperwork does not tally with what's on their system and now have to go back to immigration to try and get them to sort the mess out.

After several rather fraught phone calls immigration have now forwarded the issue to their 'database team'? who are either going to send out new landing forms which means we have to go back to immigration to repeat the landing process or alternatively they will swap the numbers over and call me when it's done (Prefer the latter) depending on what they decide. I've been told this will take 10 working days to be resolved - we're now 4 working days and counting.

It's a real worry because until it's resolved we can't get out PR cards but most importantly we have now both found jobs, which we're really pleased about, but can't start until we have a SIN number - which we can't apply for until it's sorted. The longer this goes on, means the longer we won't be able to earn any money

Hopefully. hopefully it will all be sorted in the time they've said but I am sceptic - this is bureaucracy in action after all. It's so annoying that it's a UK mistake which is haunting us here.

If anyone's got any comments or advice, or just some reassurance - it's always greatfully received

CR

I'm pretty sure you can start work, there'll just be issues paying you (e.g. they might not be able to), check with the employers or just tell them the story?

Will HRSDC not issue you guys temporary SINs?

Yeah you should be able to start work. Your first pay packet will be a bit odd, and you'll need to be more careful when you file your tax return for the year, but it should sort itself out. You don't actually need a SIN to start work, but it's recommended, just your COPR.

We started work before we got our SIN # or SIN cards because of processing times.

Had to show new employer all our WP paperwork etc.

We just couldn't be paid for the first 3 weeks until SIN # came through, but then our first pay cheques were big and fat (well biggish and fattish)!

At present we are on "implied status" as our BUNAC WP ran out, before our new BC PNP WP came through. As our old SIN card has the same expiry date on it as our BUNAC WP, we are without valid SIN cards. But, apparently, it is OK that we work as the new SIN card will be back dated so there is no gaps between our old BUNAC one and our new one.

Good luck with the bureaucracy headache.

Just to confirm what everyone else has said, you don't need a SIN number to work. Employers will often check your SIN card as evidence that you are legally able to work in Canada (it isn't) but you can prove it with your WP. Just show them that you have applied for your SINs.

However, you WILL need a SIN number by February at the latest because your employers will not be able to file their year end returns without them. They get fined if they are late. As long as everything gets sorted in the next three months you have no problems.

Why not? I started work with HR using a temporary account to hold deductions until I gave them my SIN #. I got paid OK.

I dont really see why you cant get your PR card either...not that you really need them if you hold british passports.

Chill, it will get sorted out, in the mean time just tell HR at your employer that the SIN is a bit messed up and why..they can and should deal with it.

I know in Calgary you can go to the office and apply and get the sin# at the same time. I am sure there is a Vancouver office for the federal goverment where you can do this which will save you time.