How to Get a SIN, TFN, National Insurance Number or SSN as an International Student

Before you can be paid for a job abroad, you usually need a tax ID number from the government for tax and payroll. Each country has its own: a SIN in Canada, a TFN in Australia, a National Insurance number in the UK and an SSN in the USA.

Checked against official sources in September 2026. Rules, fees and amounts change, so confirm on the official pages linked in this guide before you act. This is educational information, not legal or immigration advice.

Canada: Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• Apply online (usually fastest), in person at Service Canada, or by mail.
• You need a valid study permit that allows work, plus your passport as ID.
• Online applications are processed in about 5 business days. Mail takes longer.
• A temporary resident’s SIN starts with 9 and expires when your permit expires.
• Applying is free. Never pay an agent for it.

Australia: Tax File Number (TFN)

• Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) once you are in Australia with a visa that allows work.
• It is free.
• Give your TFN to your employer. Without it, more tax is withheld from your pay.

UK: National Insurance number

• Apply online on GOV.UK once you are in the UK and have the right to work.
• It can take up to about 4 weeks to arrive.
• You can start work before it arrives if you can prove your right to work.

USA: Social Security Number (SSN)

• F-1 students are generally eligible only when they have a job offer, such as an on-campus job, or work authorization.
• Your DSO and employer give you the letters you need, then you apply with the Social Security Administration.
• See on-campus jobs for F-1 students.

Protect your number

• Never post it in forums, groups or social media.
• Share it only with your employer, bank and the tax office.
• Be careful of phone calls or emails asking for your number. Government agencies rarely ask this way.

When to apply for your tax ID number

• Canada: as soon as you arrive, if your study permit allows work.
• Australia: once you are in the country on a visa that allows work.
• UK: after arrival, once you have the right to work. You can start work while you wait.
• USA: only after you have a job offer or work authorization.

Tax ID number checklist

• Give your tax ID number only to your employer, bank and the tax office.
• Update your details with the tax office if your visa or address changes.
• Keep the letter or email that confirms your tax ID number with your immigration documents.
• Ask your employer how much tax will be withheld from your pay.

Getting a tax ID number is free in all four countries. If someone offers to get one for you for a fee, it is at best unnecessary and at worst a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Tax and ID Numbers

Official resources

• Service Canada: SIN for temporary residents
• ATO: Apply for a TFN
• GOV.UK: Apply for a National Insurance number
• U.S. Social Security Administration

Related guides

• Part-time work rules by country
• Your first week in a new country: checklist

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