Hello,
To obtain my SIN, it literally took 15 minutes. I went to the office in person (I was third in line, waiting for the doors to open, so suggest that you go early), and I brought the original documents that were required. The person there reviewed my documents and asked me to confirm the information. Right afterwards, she provided me with my SIN. She gave me a regular paper printout of my SIN. They no longer provide you with a plastic white card with your SIN. Only a paper was provided.
Fyi- our SIN begins with a digit "9" because we are temporary residents. All temporary residents SINs begin with a "9". After we obtain permanent residency, we will have to reapply for a new SIN which will have no "9" in front of it. In the system, they will have our records with the first SIN and the second SIN provided to us, so that we will always have on record the two SINs.
I hope that future job opportunities/prospects don't look down upon us if our SIN starts with a "9" and they know that we are temporary residents. I've started applying for jobs...
If someone is already working with an OWP, please share if you had any problems finding a job with a temporary resident SIN (starting with a "9").
Thanks!