Canadian government introduces streamlining eSIN process

Getting your SIN

Once the eSIN has been processed, clients will be able to view it in their My Service Canada Account.

Every year, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada sees an increased demand for SIN applications, particularly as international students arrive for the fall and winter semesters. The aim of the eSIN is to cut down on time spent physically waiting in line at Service Canada locations across the country or on the phone.

To that end, ESDC and Service Canada are also working with community organizations and other partners that welcome new Canadians – particularly those large numbers of post-secondary students – to offer strategically placed, easy-to-access clinics, providing in-person support to those who need help with their SIN applications.

Applicants can also apply by mail or in person at one of more than 300 Service Canada Centres across the country.

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Service Canada’s future plans

While no timeline was given, the Canadian government plans to implement SIN at Entry. This will work to bundle SIN requests with work permit applications – further reducing wait time as well as visits to Service Canada. It is estimated that this one measure could reduce in-person visits to Service Canada Centres by as much as 50% in the busiest offices.

In fiscal year 2023–2024, of the 2,897,218 SIN transactions (e.g. updates to an existing SIN record or a request for a new SIN), newcomers, such as international students, temporary or permanent residents accounted for 74.2% of the total number of clients.

Sources

1. Government of Canada: eSIN: SIN application innovations make applying for your SIN quick and easy (Aug 29, 2024)