# AI tells a newcomer to Canada they must have their Social Insurance Number (SIN) in hand before they can legally start a job

- **ID:** `policy/sin-not-required-before-starting-work`
- **Domain:** policy
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Employment and Social Development Canada's SIN Code of Practice states that a new employee without a SIN is not prevented from working while they wait for one. They must apply for a SIN within 3 days of their employment start date, and once issued, must give it to the employer within 3 days of receiving the SIN confirmation. Employers must collect the SIN within 3 days of the employee's start date, but that collection deadline does not block the employee from beginning work first.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Newcomer applies for a SIN online, by mail, or in person as soon as their grounds for work (job offer plus valid work/study permit or PR/citizenship proof) are confirmed, and starts work without waiting for the confirmation letter** (90% success)
   ```
   canada.ca confirms: 'You can start working as soon as you apply for a SIN - you don't need to wait for the number.' Online applications typically show a SIN confirmation letter in about 5 business days.
   ```
2. **Employer records the employee's start date, requests the SIN application be filed within 3 days, and collects the actual SIN within 3 days of the employee receiving their confirmation letter - not before the employee's first day** (85% success)
   ```
   Follow the SIN Code of Practice's 3-day / 3-day sequence rather than an informal 'SIN in hand before day one' policy.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Tell a newcomer or new hire they cannot legally start their job until they physically have a SIN** — Service Canada's own SIN Code of Practice for employers states plainly: 'This doesn't prevent the individual from working before getting their SIN.' A new employee eligible to work in Canada is told to apply within the first 3 days of employment, not to wait for the number before starting. (75% fail)
- **Assume the employer can legally wait indefinitely, or refuse to onboard, until the employee's SIN is confirmed** — Every employer in Canada must collect the SIN within 3 days of the employee's start date so they can report earnings and remit CPP/EI contributions; treating SIN collection as an open-ended prerequisite rather than a fixed 3-day post-start obligation misstates the employer's own compliance deadline. (40% fail)