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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).

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 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 
  • Under Personal Information, select SIN/SSN
  • Enter your SIN number (DO NOT include dashes or spaces) and click Submit