Here at Remitly, we know that starting afresh in Canada comes with its challenges. Even if you move to the country with an employment contract, unexpected changes can happen at any moment. Whether it’s for maternity leave, illness assistance, or temporary financial support, understanding the country’s Employment Insurance (EI) program can make all the difference in a moment of need. Let’s break it down so you know exactly how EI works in Canada and why it matters for newcomers.
How Canada’s EI program works
Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program is the nation’s financial support system that helps people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), EI provides temporary income support for those looking for work or undergoing training to upgrade their skills. Employees and employers contribute to the program through payroll deductions.
For immigrants and foreign workers in Canada, it’s important to know how the EI program works. Many newcomers arrive with work permits or as permanent residents, eager to find job opportunities and build a new life. But integrating into the job market can be a challenge, and some experience lay-offs due to economic changes, shifts in seasonal demand, or other unexpected situations. In these cases, EI benefits can offer much-needed financial relief.
Why EI matters for newcomers and foreign workers
For those arriving to work in Canada, it can be hard to find stable work, gain experience relevant to the Canadian market, or know how to meet expectations in the workplace.
EI can act as a safety net, providing financial help while looking for a new job or completing a training course to build skills. Some immigrants may also be eligible for special EI benefits, such as parental, maternity, or sickness benefits, which can be especially helpful for those building a family in Canada.
Beyond short-term support, EI can also help newcomers build financial stability as they adjust to the workforce. Canadian government research shows that immigrants often claim less EI than their Canadian-born counterparts. When you know how the program works, from checking your eligibility to getting to grips with the application process, you’re better equipped to plan ahead in case of unemployment, as well as accessing the amount to which you’re entitled.
Which foreign workers are eligible for EI?
If you’re new to Canada and wondering whether you qualify for Employment Insurance (EI), understanding the eligibility criteria is key to ensuring you can access support if you ever need it. For immigrants and foreign workers, there are specific requirements to keep in mind.
Who qualifies for EI benefits in Canada?
To qualify for EI, there are some baseline conditions you’ll need to meet:
- You have worked in insurable employment, meaning that you and your employer have been making contributions to the program.
- You have lost your job through no fault of your own (for example, due to lay-offs, work shortages, or natural disasters).
- You have been without work and without pay for at least seven consecutive days in the last 52 weeks.
- You have worked a minimum number of insurable hours in the past year or since your last claim. The required hours depend on where you live and the unemployment rate in your region.
- You are ready, willing and capable of working each day.
- You are actively looking for work while receiving benefits, keeping details of which employers you have contacted, and how you have contacted them.
If you have been legally employed in Canada and EI deductions were taken from your pay, you should be eligible to apply for EI when you are unemployed.
Specific requirements for immigrants and foreign workers
If you’re an immigrant working in Canada, your eligibility for EI benefits depends on your immigration status and work history:
- Permanent residents who have worked in an insurable job qualify under the same conditions as Canadian citizens.
- Temporary foreign workers may qualify for EI if their employer deducted EI contributions from their paycheck and they meet the required insurable hours. However, they must still be in Canada and have a valid work permit while applying for benefits.
- Those with protected person status (refugees and asylum seekers) who have been working legally in Canada may qualify, provided they meet general EI criteria.
It’s important to remember that even if you qualify for EI, you must be available for and actively searching for work while receiving benefits. If your work permit is expiring soon or you don’t have authorization to work, it could affect whether you can receive EI.
When you might not be eligible for EI
Workers (both foreigners and Canadians) are ineligible for receiving EI if:
- they voluntarily left their job without just cause
- they were dismissed for misconduct
- they are unemployed because they are directly participating in a dispute with their employer, such as a strike
- they’re taking leave agreed with their employer because there was a period in which they worked more hours than normal for full-time employment
Which benefits are included in Canada’s EI program?
For immigrants working in Canada, EI offers more than just financial support during unemployment. It offers a range of benefits that can help newcomers navigate job transitions, care for their families, and even take time off for personal reasons. Understanding the different types of EI benefits and how they are calculated can help you make the most of this safety net.
Types of benefits available to immigrants
Depending on your situation, there are various options for receiving additional support:
- Regular benefits: As we’ve explored above, if you lose your job through no fault of your own, such as being laid off, you can receive EI payments while searching for a new job.
- Financial support for new parents: If you’re having a baby or adopting a child, you may be eligible to receive financial support while you take time off to care for them.
- Support for low-income families: If your household’s total income is less than $25,921 per year, you could be eligible for the EI family supplement.
- Illnesses: If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, EI can offer temporary financial support while you recover.
- Support for caregivers: For those taking time off work to care for a seriously ill family member, EI provides support so you can focus on your loved one.
- Financial support for the self-employed: If you’re self-employed and need to take time away from your business to care for yourself or your family, you may be able to receive EI.
- Certain professions, including farmers, those in the military, and teachers, have specific conditions for EI benefits.
How EI is calculated in Canada
There is no fixed amount for EI benefits; they are based on your earnings from your previous job. Typically, EI pays out 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount set by the government each year. As of January 2025, the maximum weekly EI payment is $695.
So how exactly does the government calculate your EI? Your personal figure will be based on your highest-earning weeks within the qualifying period (usually the past year). The number of weeks taken into account depends on the unemployment rate where you live: the lower the employment rate, the fewer weeks are taken into account for a stronger average. The weekly EI payment you receive is determined based on the average of your best weeks. This can include wages, tips, bonuses, and commissions.
For low-income families, the family supplement can increase your benefit rate to up to 80% of your average insurable earnings.
How to apply for EI as a newcomer: your step-by-step guide
The first thing to know is that EI applications are submitted online through the Canadian Government website. You should apply as soon as you stop working to avoid any delays in receiving benefits. Here’s what you need to do:
- Gather your information together: Before starting your application, make sure you have all the required documents and details to hand (you’ll find a full list below).
- Start your online application: Follow the steps on the application page to complete your EI application. You’ll need to know which type of benefits you’re applying for and have various details ready, like your record of employment.
- Store your application number: After applying, you will receive a confirmation number. Make a note of it for your records.
- Monitor your application status: You can check the status of your application online through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Submit reports (for regular benefits): If you’re applying for regular EI benefits, you may need to submit biweekly reports with evidence that you’re actively looking for work.
What documents do you need to apply for EI?
To complete your EI application, you’ll need the following:
- Your social insurance number (SIN). If this begins with a 9, you’ll also need to provide proof of your work permit.
- Your full banking information for deposits.
- Your mailing and residential addresses, including postal codes, your phone number, and other personal details like your date of birth.
- The names and addresses of your employers for the past 52 weeks, your dates of employment, and your reasons for being out of work.
If you are applying for special benefits, such as parental or sickness benefits, you may need to submit further documents like medical certificates or birth certificates.
Understanding the EI application process and preparing your documents in advance can help ensure a smooth experience. Having your record of employment (ROE) to hand will also speed up the process.
Where to find more help for EI in Canada
Navigating Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program can be complex, especially for immigrants who are still getting used to the system. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you understand your rights and access the support you need.
Government and community financial support channels
- Service Canada: This is the primary source for all EI-related inquiries. You can visit their website, call their helpline, or visit a Service Canada office in person.
- Newcomer settlement services: The Canadian government website has a register of services to support immigrants to the country, including help with EI applications and employment services.
- Legal aid and advocacy groups: If you have an issue that might require legal support, particularly if you have refugee status, check the Canadian government’s list of legal aid offices.
- Employment centres: Government-funded employment centres offer help with job searches and interview preparation, and provide employment counselling to help you find new work while receiving EI.
Staying in the loop about policy changes
EI policies and eligibility requirements can change over time. It’s important to stay updated so you don’t miss out on potential benefits. Check the Canadian government website regularly for updates on EI eligibility criteria and changes to the benefits system.
If you’re unsure, you can always reach out to the employment centres and services listed above for free advice on EI benefits, workers’ rights, and financial planning. By taking advantage of national resources and staying in the loop, you can make sure you’re getting the financial support you need.
FAQs
Can immigrants to Canada receive EI?
Yes. Immigrants and foreign workers in Canada can qualify for EI, but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. To be eligible, you need to have worked in insurable employment, contributed to the EI program, and lost your job through no fault of your own. Temporary foreign workers with valid work permits may also qualify as long as they have enough insurable hours.
I’m not a permanent resident. Can I still get EI?
Yes. You don’t have to be a permanent resident to receive EI. As long as you have a valid work permit and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply.
Are taxes deducted from my EI benefits?
All Canadian benefits are taxable, no matter what type of benefits you receive.
What if I leave Canada while I’m receiving EI?
In most cases, you must remain in Canada while collecting EI. However, there are exceptions for those travelling for job interviews or specific family emergencies. Always check with Service Canada before you travel.
Do I have to pay back EI benefits?
EI is not a loan, so you don’t have to pay it back under normal circumstances. However, if you receive an overpayment or fail to report income while on EI, you may need to return some of the funds.
I have a job now, but I’m still waiting for my EI application to be approved. Can I still receive benefits?
If you were eligible at the time that you applied, you may still receive payments for the period you were unemployed. Just make sure to report any new income.
What if I’m self-employed?
Self-employed workers are not automatically covered under EI, but they can opt into the EI special benefits program. This allows them to access parental, sickness, and caregiving benefits.
I’ve lost my job. Can I receive EI?
It depends on the circumstances. If you were dismissed for misconduct, you may not qualify. However, if you lost your job through no fault of your own, such as being laid off, you may be eligible.