Griff

Hi can any one advise me how long it generally takes to acquire SIN card if applied for in person in British Columbia (Greater Vancouver)
Thanks
Elaine

solatic

Mine took about four weeks for a renewal back in January [through the HRSDC office at Main & 10th]. I'd imagine a new card would be around the same time.

Griff

Oh, thanks for that, was hoping it would be quicker! (Should be learning the art of patience by now!)

sans

They should give you a temporary sin card, till the other one turns up. Thats what they did with us in september, it took 3 wks for the other one to arrive.

jempee

We were given our number straight away on a print out and the actual card came through exactly a week later.

traceyparker1

We just arrived in Vancouver 3 weeks ago. My husband hhd come out a month earlier and did the SIN application then. He was given his number immediately, and was able to put in an application on my behalf (although he couldn't get my number). The cards took about 2 and a half weeks to arrive after that.

Good luck!
Tracey

Griff

Thanks to all who have responded, when you say that you are issued your number straight away does this mean that this number is what you can present to your employer (my understanding from service Canada web site is that you have to present SIN 'card'to employer within 3 days of commencement date). I suppose what I am saying is do you have to have the card in your hands before you can commence employment?

Tracey, How are you enjoying Vancouver so far - what area are you in?

thanks everyone
Elaine

zigspider

The number is the SIN. It's the number that you need to give to employer. Both myself and my wife showed our printouts.

Jerry

traceyparker1

Yup, the number is what the employer needs not the card. The card is a useful form of ID when you first get here as it has your name, etc., but we haven't needed it for anything else so far.

I am loving being in Vancouver. We are renting an apartment in the Europa building (just outside of Chinatown). There are one or two shady areas, but overall, I love it there - fantastic views of the ocean, seaplanes, mountains, and Pan Pacific place. We have now been here exactly 3 weeks and I have already been offered a job - haven't even really started looking seriously, just putting out resumes to places that look interesting. Next step is to buy our own place, but we are seriously overwhelmed by the high prices and HUGE (35%) downpayment required...

Good luck!
Tracey

Griff

Thanks Jerry
information appreciated
Elaine

dsquared

Hi there - wonder if you can help on a related matter: How do you apply for the card?

Do you have to wait until you land (we're landing on 6th December) or can you apply in advance?

Many thanks

Griff

You can only apply for your card once you have landed.
There is loads of info on this subject, just search the forum and all your questions will be answered in one go

sans

Hi when you Land you will be given some paper work to take with you, when you go for your sin.

dsquared

Thanks so much for your quick reply. When you say: go for your SIN - where do you need to go?

sans

Human Resource Centre