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Social Insurance Number
In compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations, students paying tuition at a Canadian university are required to have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) and to provide that number to the university to include on their tax forms (T2202 and T4A).
2025 SIN update
Last day to update SIN for the 2025 tax year is February 20, 2026.
What is a Social Insurance Number and how do you obtain one?
- The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. The SIN allows you to files taxes in Canada.
- To apply on line or by mail, see Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
What is an ITN and how do you obtain one?
- If you are not eligible for a SIN you need to get an ITN.
- The Individual Tax Number (ITN) is a 9-digit number that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issues to non-resident individuals who are not eligible to obtain a Social Insurance number to identify you for tax purposes.
- Please visit T1261 Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Individual Tax Number (ITN) for Non-Residents for more information or contact an International Student Advisor at intl_advising@sfu.ca for any questions about your eligibility for an ITN number.
After you have obtained a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN), please update your student information, as follows:
- Log in to goSFU
- Under Personal Information, select SIN/SSN
- Enter your SIN number (DO NOT include dashes or spaces) and click Submit
