Temporary SIN checker: numbers that start with 9.

What a 900 SIN number is

Service Canada states that SINs issued to temporary residents always start with 9, and that such a SIN expires on the same date as the holder’s work permit, study permit or visitor record. The CRA tells employers the same: these numbers begin with 9, have an expiry date, and are valid only until the expiry date shown on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) document. Neither page assigns a special meaning to 900 as opposed to 901 or 987, so treat every leading-9 number the same way.

What this checker can and cannot tell you

• Can: whether the first digit is 9, whether the number has nine digits, and whether the Luhn checksum passes.
• Cannot: read an expiry date, say whether the holder may work, or confirm that the number was issued. We know of no public SIN lookup.

For employers: a 9-series SIN is a reason to check the document

Service Canada tells employers to ensure that employees with a SIN beginning with 9 are authorized to work in Canada, to ask to see the immigration document and verify that it has not expired. If it has expired, the employee should contact IRCC for a valid document. If the employee applied to extend and is waiting for a decision, they have maintained status and may keep working until IRCC decides; once it does, the employer must verify the new document and expiry date. The full list is in the employer SIN checklist.

For temporary residents

Service Canada advises keeping your SIN record up to date so it matches your current permit, for example when you receive a new permit with a new expiry date. The temporary residents page explains how to update the record. See the SIN privacy guide for who may ask for your number.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 900 SIN number?

A SIN beginning with 9, such as 900 xxx xxx, is a temporary SIN issued to a temporary resident. Service Canada says it expires with the holder’s immigration documents.

Does a temporary SIN have an expiry date?

Yes. Per Service Canada it expires on the same date as the work permit, study permit or visitor record, and the CRA says it is valid only until the expiry date on the IRCC document.

Can I see the expiry date from the number?

No. The nine digits carry no date. The expiry is on the immigration document and in the Service Canada SIN record.

Can someone keep working after their temporary SIN expires?

Service Canada says that if they applied to extend their permit they can continue working with the expired SIN until IRCC decides. Otherwise they need a valid document. This is general information, not legal advice.

Does a temporary SIN become a permanent one?

This page does not cover changing status. Service Canada’s SIN pages explain what to do when your status changes.

Sources (retrieved October 2026): Service Canada: Social Insurance Number; Service Canada: SIN for temporary residents; Service Canada: Employer information, SIN; CRA: Get the SIN from the employee. TNAADO is not affiliated with the Government of Canada; this page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.