After successfully submitting the application for permanent resident eventually the interview followed (maybe a year or less) from the date of submission.
A few days after the interview I was able to renew my Alberta Health Care Insurance Card using the Confirmation of Permanent Resident issued by the CIC.
Then what did I do next?
I waited. And find out the answer on “how to renew SIN card in Calgary?”
I had to wait for my PR card, a required proof of identity, to get a new Social Insurance Number that is no longer starting with “9” (for temporary foreign workers). The set of numbers starts with “6” for citizen and permanent resident.
How to Renew SIN Card in Calgary
I found out that on March 31, 2014, Service Canada stopped the production of plastic SIN cards . It was replaced by the confirmation of SIN letter.
Maybe a card similar to the provincial health card will do but since a resident in Canada rarely use the SIN card it’s better to have it in paper format.
It’s economical . . . and NO more waiting.
You can get the new Social Insurance Number the same day.
The easiest way to renew the SIN is to go to the nearest Service Canada office. (Refer to the sub topic below for the list of offices.)
The application for different transaction regarding SIN such as applying for the first time, renewing, and amending the information has somewhat the same process.
I didn’t have to use an application form for the renewal. But I did when I apply for my first SIN card, two days after I arrived in a cold summer. (Well . . . everything is cold for a newcomer.)
What are the Requirements
It only took me fifteen minutes or less to get a new Social Insurance Number at Harry Hays Building in downtown Calgary. The Service Canada office is in the second floor.
I showed my PR card and driver’s license. The presentation of original proof of identity is a must.
I received my confirmation of SIN letter that same rainy, windy day. I didn’t mind the weather nor the weather-beaten umbrella I almost left behind. (It kept dragging me back where I came from.)
I had to say good bye to the old SIN card and say hello to the paper format. I still like my old number because its easy to memorize. As with my new number I have to come up with a mnemonic or just keep on memorizing.
I don’t want to bring the confirmation of SIN letter if its unnecessary. (I have the habit of keeping documents in a crumpled-free condition inside the folder. And yes with the proper label.)
Tip: It wouldn’t take much of your time. Once you get the PR card, immediately renew your Social Insurance Number together with the provincial health card.
Most likely you already have the documents needed for the application.
So move along.
But only after knowing where to go next.
Where to Renew Your Social Insurance Number in Calgary
Service Canada Office in Calgary are found in four locations; but if you want to go out of town, you can renew the social insurance number in any of the three cities, two towns, and one urban community close to Calgary.
(I’m learning more about the demographics of Alberta in writing this post. And I can’t help not to think of Weekend Walkabout.)
Service Canada Office in Calgary
Calgary Centre Service Canada Centre
Harry Hays Building, Suite 150
220 4th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary South Service Canada Centre
Fisher Park II, Suite 100
6712 Fisher Street Southeast
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary East Services Canada Centre
Marlborough Mall, Suite 1502
515 Marlborough Way Northeast
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Royal Vista Service Canada Centre
15 Royal Vista Place NW , Floor 3, Suite 350
Calgary, Alberta
Service Canada Office Outside (and Near) Calgary
Blairmore Scheduled Outreach Site (urban community)
Provincial Building – Alberta Works,
12501 20th Avenue
Blairmore, Alberta
Brooks Service Canada Centre (city)
Cassils Plaza,
608 2nd Street West
Brooks, Alberta
Canmore Services Canada Centre (town)
Canmore Gateway Shops – Building C, Suite 113
802 Bow Valley Trail
Canmore, Alberta
Drumheller Scheduled Outreach Site (town)
Riverside Center, Floor 2
180 Riverside Drive East
Drumheller, Alberta
Olds Schedule Outreach Site (town)
Alberta Works (Ralph Klein Centre)
4500 50th Street
Olds, Alberta
Red Deer Service Canada Centre (city)
101 – 4901 46th Street
Red Deer, Alberta
If you choose to renew the SIN card in Drumheller Scheduled Outreach Site, make sure to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Star Mine Suspension Bridge.
And you’re done.
Starting anew is much felt after all the renewal of proof of identities.
It feels great.
Yes, that’s how it is. There is a sense of accomplishment.
I can still remember the first time I asked why do I need the Social Insurance Number that I had to get one after living in Canada for less than a week.
Now it’s all history.
The “How to Renew SIN Card in Calgary” is my legacy to all the newcomers in Calgary.
I’m not moving somewhere else (yet) so wait for more how-to posts.
Are you about to renew your Social Insurance Number? Where are you planning to get your new SIN? Share in the comments.
Photo credit: Sin card by Wagner51 [CC-BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Share Your Thoughts