New international graduate students who will be teaching assistants (TAs), research assistants (RAs) or hold any other employment contract must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order to get paid.

To get your SIN, apply in person at a Service Canada office. Offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (check their website for holiday closures).

The step-by-step application instructions (pdf) are available from International Services for Students. If your application and documents are in order, you will get your Social Insurance Number in one visit and receive your card within 10 business days.

What to Bring

• Original valid Study Permit (or valid Work Permit, if applicable)
• *Original,signed  employment contract on SFU letterhead (for study permit holders only) 
  
• There is no cost for first-time applicants
  

*Important: Service Canada requires specific information from SFU employers in order to issue SIN cards for international students working on campus. If you are a new TA/RA,  your official SFU contract that you sign will not be sufficient. Please contact your graduate department in advance to complete and sign the necessary special employment letter.  

The closest Service Canada offices for each campus:

• Burnaby: 3480 Gilmore Way (google map)
  
• Vancouver: 757 West Hastings Street (google map)
  
• Surrey North: 13889 104th Avenue (google map)
  

If you're taking public transportation, see the Translink Trip Planner to help you plan the best route.