Source data
Canadian Social Insurance Number identity and supporting documents
Sources checked
- 01Prove your status
Choose the primary document listed for your status. Source 1
- 02Prove your identity
Select a valid secondary document with your name and birth date. Source 1
- 03Add supporting evidence
Attach name-change records or translations when required. Source 1
Choose primary and secondary identity evidence first, then add any records linking names or translations.
Canadian Social Insurance Number identity and supporting documents
Service Canada requirements checked 11 November 2026. This list covers selected adult applicants applying for themselves. Use the official application tool for your status and submission method.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary identity | Canadian citizen | Provincial or territorial birth certificate, citizenship certificate or qualifying pre-1977 registration of birth abroad | Source 1 |
| Primary identity | Permanent resident | Canadian permanent resident card or qualifying Confirmation of Permanent Residence | Source 1 |
| Primary identity | Temporary resident | Work permit, qualifying study permit or qualifying visitor record with authorization to work | Source 1 |
| Secondary identity | All applicants in scope | Valid Canadian or foreign passport or eligible Canadian government identity document showing name and date of birth | Source 1 |
| Name-link document | Legal name differs from primary document | A qualifying legal record showing the former and current name | Source 1 |
| Translation | Document is neither English nor French | Supply the original and the translation evidence specified by Service Canada | Source 1 |
| Application evidence | Online submission | Clear digital copies of the complete original documents | Source 2 |