Download the Student Handout information sheet for Social Insurance Number (SIN) here.

If you are a returning international student and you wish to book an appointment with an International Student Advisor regarding immigration matters, etc. please use our appointment booking link to book a virtual meeting or face-to-face meeting.

Most Up-to-Date Information

For the most up-to-date information about Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), please refer to the IRCC website at: canada.ca/immigration or call them at 1-888-242-2100.

It is the international student’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations that apply. See the conditions of a study permit holder here.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) oversees the SIN and the website is found here. IRCC regulates Temporary Residents (visitors, students and workers) and who is eligible to work in Canada.

Canadian employers require individuals to have a SIN for employment in Canada. If an employer offers you cash and does not ask you for a SIN, the type of work might be considered illegal. You can verify with ESDC to confirm.

IMPORTANT A SIN does not mean that an international student is permitted to work. Employers might not ask you if you are authorized to work. This is your responsibility to know if you are allowed to work based on your situation/status in Canada.

What You Need to Apply and How To Apply

Learn more about what you need in order to apply for a SIN here.

What You Need

1. Proof of Address
You are required to provide a document with your proof of Canadian address. International students can use a bank letter, letter from their landlord, cell phone bill, internet bill etc., to confirm their local address. Please note that students living in the Algonquin College Residence can request proof from the Residence.

2. Study Permit or Work Permit (for work that is required by your program)
Use your study permit that has the remark indicating that you can work on or off-campus to support the SIN application. If you have a work permit for work that is a requirement of your studies, you can also use this to support the SIN. This work permit is also referred to as a co-op/internship work permit. Note that this work permit can only be used for work that is required by your program. The work permit will likely have Algonquin College as the employer.

How to Apply for the SIN (online or by mail)

The pandemic has changed how applications are submitted for the SIN. Learn about the current process here. See more about studying and working in Canada here.

IMPORTANT! Studies must be the priority for international students in Canada while on a study permit. You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin, as per IRCC.

Maintaining Status

Learn more about maintaining status here. If you are maintaining your status, you can keep working under the same conditions of your initial study permit and/or work permit if your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is expired. More information is found here.

As per the web link above: If you applied to extend your study permit and/or work permit before your initial permit expired, you can keep working, even if your SIN is expired.

Renewing your SIN

When you get your new study permit and/or work permit, you can renew your SIN. You can give your employer proof that you’ve applied to renew your SIN. Once you get a new expiry date for your SIN, you must give it to your employer within 3 days, according to ESDC.

International Education Centre (IEC)

The IEC is located in room C021. Our on-campus services are by appointment only. Current international students can use our appointment booking link to book a virtual meeting or face-to-face meeting with an International Student Advisor. You may also wish to visit our events calendar to register for upcoming immigration workshops and more.

Work Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:45 pm (excluding holidays – unless otherwise specified)