Hello

I want to know what is a SIN card and why is it mandatory to have? I have landed in Canada and have applied for a PR card which is yet to be delivered and have come back to India but as I was not aware of the SIN card I have not applied for it. I am awaiting my PR card shortly and once I have it I plan to come to Canada to work. Could anyone advise me how to get the SIN card? What are the documents needed and how long should it take for it to be delivered? Can I apply for it while I am in India or do I need to be in Canada for the same.

Please advise.

SSPPM

You need to be in Canada. You don't need a SIN until you start working, but can apply immediately after you come back to Canada.

More details at :
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml

Clarification:

"You don't need a SIN until you start living in Canada".