Hi All! I wonder if anyone here has had problems getting a job because of the temporary SIN? I spoke with a recruitment agency today & was informed that he cannot proceed until I have a permanent SIN. He told me I should get a permanent number. That did not make any sense to me. . My open work permit arrived after AIP was granted.
Thanks a lot for your input.

Temporary SIN numbers begin with "9".

Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can normally get SIN numbers beginning 1-7.

The 9 at the start of your SIN signifies you haven't got permanent status in Canada. Even though you have an open work permit, some employers won't be interested in hiring you for career-orientated, long term jobs. It ought not to be a problem for temporary/casual work, if the recruiter you're dealing with doesn't understand that then you ought to find another one!

They dont have a leg to stand on (legally), but probably think that you have a closed work permit, and therefore are not elligable to work for anyone else.
Did you make it clear its an open permit?

Could just be that agency, I hope you dont run into this elsewhere, but I can see why its raising a flag with them.

Only problem I had with mine was with getting credit. Better to give them no SIN than a 9xx SIN in many cases for credit applications.

Good Luck, hope you can clear up the misunderstanding. Shouldnt be too long before your PR comes anyway, and then the problem will go away.

Thanks JAJ! I have no further interest to deal with that agency. I was surprised as it was the first time I heard that line & that it came from an office with a big reputation.

Thanks iank! Thanks for the tip about the credit. I was not asked for my open w/p. He said something about temporary SIN has limitation but he could not be specific. You are right, he may be confused between temp SIN & open/closed work permit.

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i find as long as your past sins dont catch up with you then you are safe

The only problem we have found is we weren't able to get any credit or credit cards, but got a line of credit through our credit union (on equity in house) and we also managed eventually to get a mastercard through them that works like a debit card, with an overdraft facility.

As for jobs, the only thing I think that has blemished my resume is not having Canadian work experience, but it only too about 6 weeks to get a job in the end.

Thank you for sharing that, Piff Poff. Guess what? I finally got a job (almost perfect one since there is no such thing as perfect ). A great start I may say as it is with a very wellknown company worldwide & I don't have any Canadian employment experience. I applied for the job through other employment agency & it worked like a charm.

batty-x-ray -- I agree with you there. I guess I am safe as I just got myself a job

Congrats on the Job Thats fantastic, I hope it all goes well for you, i'll have a to celebrate for you!

congratulations! that must be a great feeling, well done

Just a little addition to my earlier post!

I've been here 10 months - hubby 12. I have just got a job (3 weeks into it) hubby has worked since day the day after he landed. We got a mastercard through our Line of Credit. Last night (after being refused one before) we got a HBC (The bay/Zellers) Card ($300 limit). Going for a Sears one tomorrow!!!!! Need to buy a tent - the weather is gorgeous here!

I'll see if I can apply for credit card as soon as I got my first paycheck. My workplace is near the chinook mall so it is essential to have one . Happy shopping!

Just the perfect place to spend lunch