I hope you can give me a bit of guidance. i am an American citizen in a committed relationship with a Canadian gentleman living in Ontario. We would like to make things more permanent - i.e., I would like to move there. I have been a teacher for seventeen years here in the States; am endorsed in five different areas; and have a Master's Degree in Education and Technology. To even be considered for a teaching position in Ontario, my credentials must be evaluated by the Ontario Teachers College. The problem I have encountered, however, is that the college will not evaluate my work without a SIN. How do I obtain one? Nor can I apply for a work permit until I have a written job offer, which I cannot even hope to get until the college can evaluate my credentials. The college suggested I look into a temporary SIN. Is that even possible? Have you any suggestions/advice? I would greatly appreciate any direction you can provide, as my head is swimming in confusion from everything I have read. Thank you so much!!
Dove Gray

The commitment of a job offer from a Canadian employer would generally be needed to be able to seek a Labour Market Opinion Confirmation (possibly not needed for college, seminary, or university level teaching positions) and work permit.

Without a work permit or a study permit, you could not obtain a Social Insurance Number. That proves to be a catch 22 for the credential evaluation process as it seems to restrict the possibility of a job offer. Unfortunately, I do not see a simple solution to this other possibly than investigating the possibility of acceptance of foreign credentials on a temporary basis. In some professions, temporary recognition may be granted for individuals from certain countries while a formal credential evaluation is completed (which sometimes requires that the individual be in Canada and working).

Thank you, David. It does not seem that I will be able to teach there, then, and it is all I know. The College won't evaluate my work without a SIN and the Embassy says to contact the College. I do not know what to do next, but I appreciate your quick reply, truly I do.