Employment Insurance for Foreign Nationals
Employment Insurance (EI) is a government program in Canada that provides financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Foreign nationals who work in Canada are eligible to apply for EI benefits, but there are some specific requirements that they must meet.
Employment Insurance: A lifeline for foreign nationals who lose their jobs in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for EI Benefits for Foreign Nationals
To be eligible for EI benefits, foreign nationals must:
- Have worked in Canada for at least 60 hours in the past 52 weeks.
- Be legally authorized to work in Canada.
- Have lost their job through no fault of their own, such as due to layoff or termination.
- Be ready, willing, and able to work.
How to Apply for EI Benefits?
Foreign nationals can apply for EI benefits online or by phone. When applying, they will need to provide information about their work history, their employment status, and their reason for losing their job.
Types of EI benefits Available to Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can apply for the same types of EI benefits as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These include:
- Regular benefits: Regular benefits are available to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and who are actively looking for work.
- Sickness benefits: Sickness benefits are available to workers who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Maternity and parental benefits: Maternity and parental benefits are available to workers who are taking time off work to have a child or care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
How much EI Benefits can Foreign Nationals Receive?
The amount of EI benefits that foreign nationals can receive depends on their earnings and the type of benefit they are applying for. Regular benefits are typically equal to 55% of an individual’s average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $595 per week. Sickness and maternity/parental benefits are typically equal to 55% of an individual’s average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $573 per week.
Duration of EI Benefits
The duration of EI benefits that foreign nationals can receive depends on the type of benefit they are receiving and the number of insurable hours they have worked in the past 52 weeks. Regular benefits are typically available for up to 45 weeks, while sickness and maternity/parental benefits are typically available for up to 15 weeks.
More Information about EI Benefits for Foreign Nationals
For more information about EI benefits for foreign nationals, please visit the Service Canada website. You can also contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7210.