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Adult language class for newcomers in a Canadian community centre

the sin that starts with 9: temporary residents explained

temporary social insurance numbers are issued to work and study permit holders in canada. these numbers start with the digit 9 and are used for tax purposes, employment, and accessing government services. to get a temporary social insurance number, you need to obtain a work or study permit first. after that, you can apply for a social insurance number at a service canada location. you will need to provide proof of your identity and your work or study permit, as well as complete an application form.

what is a temporary social insurance number

a temporary social insurance number is a unique nine-digit number used to administer various government programs and services, such as income tax, employment insurance, and pension plans. it's typically issued to work and study permit holders, as well as to certain other individuals who are authorized to work in canada. for example, international students who are studying in canada under a study permit will usually be issued a temporary social insurance number.

how to get a temporary social insurance number

applying for a temporary social insurance number involves a few steps. first, you need to get a work or study permit. then, you can apply for a social insurance number at a service canada location. be prepared to provide proof of your identity and your work or study permit, and don't forget to complete the application form.

using a temporary social insurance number

temporary social insurance numbers can be used for working, studying, and accessing government services. however, it's essential to note that temporary social insurance numbers are only valid for as long as the holder's work or study permit is valid. if the permit expires, the social insurance number will also expire. this means you'll need to keep an eye on your permit's expiry date and plan accordingly.

updating a temporary social insurance number

if your work or study permit is renewed, you'll need to update your temporary social insurance number. to do this, you'll need to apply for a new social insurance number at a service canada location, providing proof of your renewed permit and completing an application form. it's a bit of a process, but it's necessary to ensure you can continue working or studying in canada.

moving to a permanent social insurance number

once you become a permanent resident of canada, you can apply for a permanent social insurance number. this number won't have an expiry date and can be used for all the same purposes as a temporary social insurance number. to apply, you'll need to provide proof of your permanent resident status and complete an application form at a service canada location. for more information, you can visit the ircc website or contact service canada.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 19, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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