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Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada
Document Checklist
Primary identity document
Where to get: Issuing immigration or vital-statistics authority (IRCC, provincial registrar, or CIC predecessor)
Required: Original for in-person and mail; clear, legible, full-border digital copy for online
Cost: C$0 paid to Service Canada
Permanent residents present a Permanent Resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) within 12 months of becoming a permanent resident, or a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002. Temporary residents present a work permit, a study permit which indicates the permit holder may accept employment or may work in Canada, or a visitor record showing authorization to work. Canadian citizens present a provincial birth certificate, a certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or a certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued before 1977.
Secondary document
Where to get: Foreign passport authority or any Canadian government issuer
Required: Valid official document showing legal name and date of birth
A foreign passport satisfies the secondary requirement and is the typical newcomer path. A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver's licence also qualifies once issued.
Supporting document
Where to get: Court, marriage registrar, or notary that issued the name-change record
Required: Only if the name on your application differs from the primary or secondary document
Examples include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal change-of-name certificate, court order, adoption order, notarial certificate, or request to amend Record of Landing. Quebec residents married after April 1, 1981 cannot use the marriage certificate to support a family-name change and must use a different supporting document.
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