Algorithmic Impact Assessment - Electronic Social Insurance Number Automation (eSINa)

When an individual applies for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), multiple channels are available to submit their application. eSIN was implemented in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time, individuals were able to apply for their SIN online, eliminating the need to visit a Service Canada Centre in person or the need to mail in their application. The eSIN application result was received by mail. In August 2023, a new feature was added to the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) that allows individuals to register for an account without a SIN. Once registered, SIN information can be obtained directly in MSCA. When a SIN application is received, documents provided are analysed for authenticity and submitted for validation against an authoritative source. If the verification is successful, the application is processed, and the SIN is issued. The primary objective of the eSINa initiative is to automate the processing of eligible SIN applications submitted via eSIN by using Artificial Intelligence and Optical Character Recognition technologies. The SIN program will continue to innovate in these aspects for the coming years. This approach allows eligible eSIN…

Publisher

Employment and Social Development Canada

Resources

4

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-06-22