Sinch Canada Short Code Onboarding Overview

laura_shirley — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:28:30 GMT

The Sinch Canadian Short Code Onboarding guide describes the process for onboarding Canadian short codes.

Note: Steps for MMS provisioning have been added below.

The process can be summarized in 3 easy steps:

STEP 1 - Apply for the code by completing the CTA Common Short Code Application Form. Or, download the PDF and submit it to ca.programs@sinch.com.

STEP 2 - Client provides payment via credit card or invoice to CTA to secure your application in time for the carrier deadlines.

STEP 3 - CA Service Implementation team will ensure deadlines are met, and program is ready for submission.

Timeline: 3-7 weeks end to end.

Resources:

Canadian Common Short Code Compliance Policies - This guide was developed by the CTA to help organizations establish and maintain compliant short code programs.
Sinch - Canadian Short Code Onboarding Guide - Provides an overview on what to expect throughout the short code onboarding process.
Sinch - Canada Mandatory Keywords Guide - Use this guide to create compliant mandatory keyword responses for your short code campaign.
2026 Short Code Provisioning and Migration Schedule - Reference carrier provisioning schedule and associated submission deadlines.

Note: The deadline to submit application forms to the CTA is every Thursday at 1:00PM (ET). The carriers review Application Forms the following Tuesday and decide if they wish to participate in the Short Code program.

Steps to get a Canadian Short Code provisioned for MMS

STEP 1 - Complete a Common Short Code Application Form and ensure to complete the following sections for MMS:

Section 3.1 - Check off MMS as a Program Type, as well as any other applicable Program Types.
Section 3.4.1 - Describe how MMS will be used as part of the customer experience. A separate attachment should be included with sample MMS files related to the proposed customer experience.
Section 3.8
- Message Volume Forecast - Provide an MMS-specific forecast:
  - Estimated number of subscribers receiving MMS/month x Estimated number of MMS sent per subscriber per month = Total est. MMS msgs/month
- 'For MMS Programs' - Detail anticipated file types and sizes.

**NOTE** If you are looking to add MMS to a live Canadian SMS SC, please add the above details to the approved application form. If you do not have a copy of the approved application form, reach out to CA.Programs@sinch.com for assistance.

STEP 2 - Once the application is submitted to CA.Programs@sinch.com, it will be submitted to the carriers for review.

STEP 3 - If approved, the Short Code will be provisioned in alignment with the 2026 Short Code Provisioning and Migration Schedule.

article Sinch Canada Short Code Onboarding Overview in SMS

Sinch Canada Short Code Onboarding Overview

Steps to get a Canadian Short Code provisioned for MMS