Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), via Service Canada, has rolled out new measures aimed at streamlining the Social Insurance Number (SIN) application process.
As the demand for SINs increases each year, particularly with the influx of international students, these enhancements are designed to make the application process quicker and more convenient, it said.
eSIN system
The centrepiece of this initiative is the eSIN system, which allows applicants to apply for their SIN online. By digitizing the application process, the government has managed to cut the standard processing time in half.
“Clients can apply for their SIN from the comfort of their homes and receive it within five business days,” according to a recent statement from ESDC. This is a marked improvement from the previous 10-day processing period. Additionally, once the SIN is issued, applicants can view it through their My Service Canada Account, further streamlining access to this vital piece of identification.
Handling surge during peak times
To address the surge in demand during peak times, such as the start of the fall and winter semesters, Service Canada has also introduced SIN clinics in collaboration with community organizations. These clinics are strategically located to provide in-person support to those who may need help with their SIN applications, ensuring that new Canadians, including international students, can access the services they need without unnecessary delays.
Looking ahead, the Government of Canada plans to introduce the SIN at Entry initiative, which will bundle SIN requests with work permit applications. This forward-thinking measure is expected to reduce in-person visits to Service Canada Centres by up to 50% in the busiest offices, further easing the burden on applicants and government resources alike, it said.
“The Government of Canada must keep up with the needs and expectations of Canadians when they seek access to government services. Accessing services should not be a mystery novel, but rather a seamless customer service experience that respects Canadians and their valuable time,” said Minister of Citizens’ Services, Terry Beech.
In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, newcomers to Canada, including international students and temporary or permanent residents, accounted for over 74% of the 2.9 million SIN transactions processed. The introduction of the eSIN system and the SIN at Entry initiative reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing service delivery and meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse population, it said.