Newcomers to gain faster access to employment and government benefits in fall of 2027

The Canadian government is set to launch SIN@Entry — a program that will let newcomers get their Social Insurance Number (SIN) online, via their immigration account, before even entering Canada—in the fall of 2027.

This program will apply to all newcomers to the country, including foreign workers, international students, and new permanent residents—allowing them to begin work and access government-funded benefits faster.

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While newcomers can already access SINs* online, the process requires that they be in Canada and can take up to five business days to complete.

*A SIN is a nine-digit number required by residents in Canada to perform a list of basic functions, including (but not limited to):

• Legally working and getting paid;
• Filing income taxes;
• Accessing government-funded benefits and programs.

Without a SIN, you can't start a job or receive payments like the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credit. For newcomers, getting a SIN is one of the first and most important steps after arriving in Canada.

How will newcomers receive their SIN under the program?

ESDC's report provides new details on how SIN@Entry will work.

Under the program, newcomers will be able to request a SIN directly through their existing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account. They'll then receive their SIN digitally through their My Service Canada Account.

This means newcomers won't need to visit a Service Canada office, apply online separately, or wait for a letter in the mail. ESDC says the program will reduce the need for in-person visits and help people access jobs and benefits faster.

Note: CIC News previously reported on SIN@Entry in March 2025, when ESDC first announced the program. At the time, ESDC described it as an "integrated and automated bundle of immigration services and SIN services" set to launch in 2025-2026.

Who can get a SIN?

To be eligible for a SIN in Canada, you must fall into one of these categories:

• A Canadian citizen;
• A permanent resident;
• A temporary resident with a work permit;
• A temporary resident whose study permit allows off-campus work; or
• A person authorized to work in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or its regulations.

If your immigration status changes — for example, if your work permit expires — you may need to update your SIN record with Service Canada.

Current methods of receiving a SIN in Canada

Until SIN@Entry launches in fall 2027, you can apply for a SIN through three routes:

• In person at a Service Canada location — you can receive your SIN the same day;
• Online through eSIN — takes about five business days to process; or
• By mail — takes about 20 business days from the date Service Canada receives your application.

You can also apply in Service Canada centres at select Canadian airports through SIN@Landing, which is available at Toronto Pearson, Montréal Trudeau, Vancouver, Halifax Stanfield, Calgary, and Edmonton airports.

Note: Service Canada centres in airports do not operate 24/7. It is recommended that newcomer trying to get their SIN upon landing check their hours before arrival.

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