Understanding Canadian Social Insurance Numbers
The Format (123 456 789)
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1
Regional Prefix: The first digit identifies the region of issue (e.g., 1 for Atlantic, 4-5 for Ontario).
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2
Identity Digits: The next seven digits are unique identifiers for the individual.
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3
Check Digit: The final digit is a checksum calculated using the Luhn algorithm to ensure validity.
For Americans: SIN vs SSN
If you are from the US, think of the Social Insurance Number as the Canadian equivalent of your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Used for income tax & government benefits
- Required for employment in Canada
- Nine digits long (just like SSN)
- Format: 123-456-789 (SSN is 123-45-6789)
Regional Codes Reference
Atlantic Provinces (NB, NS, PEI, NL)
Quebec Region
Ontario Region & Canadian Forces
Western Provinces (MB, SK, AB, NT, NU)
Pacific Region (BC, YT)
Temporary Residents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Social Insurance Number?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. It is issued by Service Canada.
Who needs a SIN?
Every person who works in Canada or wants to receive government benefits and services must have a SIN. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents.
Is this tool generating "real" numbers?
No. This tool generates numbers that follow the correct mathematical format (Luhn algorithm) and regional rules used by the Canadian government. These are for testing and educational purposes only and should not be used for any official or fraudulent activities.
Security & Privacy First
We do not store any numbers you validate or generate. All processing happens locally in your browser for maximum privacy and speed.