Janice Lozano
Canada's Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was created to support those who lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit provides a temporary income of $500 per week for up to 16 weeks for those who have stopped working as a direct result of the pandemic. While the benefit is typically available to Canadian citizens, it has been confirmed that international students may also be eligible for CERB if they meet certain requirements. These requirements include residing in Canada, being at least 15 years old, having a valid Social Insurance Number, and having earned a minimum income of $5,000 in the last 12 months or in 2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) |
| Who is eligible | International students and foreign workers |
| Requirements | Must reside in Canada, be at least 15 years old, have a valid Social Insurance Number, have earned a minimum of $5,000 in income within the last 12 months or in 2019, and have stopped working due to COVID-19 |
| Amount | $500 per week for up to 16 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students in Canada may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which was created to support those without an income as a result of COVID-19. However, to qualify, international students must meet certain requirements.
Firstly, international students must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number. They must also be at least 15 years old. Secondly, their work must have been interrupted by the COVID-19 crisis. This means that they must have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19, such as being unable to work due to illness or losing their job for reasons beyond their control. It is important to note that if an individual is looking for a job but has not stopped working because of COVID-19, they are not eligible for the benefit.
In addition, to be eligible, international students must have earned a minimum income of $5,000 in the last 12 months or in 2019. This income requirement must be met for both first-time applicants and subsequent applications.
It is worth noting that the availability of this benefit to international students has raised concerns for some graduating students in Canada who will not qualify, as they were planning on working during the summer.
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Income requirements
International students with a valid study permit can travel to Canada for enrolment. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have lost their income due to COVID-19. The benefit is taxable and provides $500 per week for up to 16 weeks. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following income requirements:
- Applicants must have earned a minimum income of $5,000 in the last year before their application date.
- Applicants must not have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income in the four-week benefit period of their claim. This includes the 14 or more consecutive days within the benefit period when submitting the first claim.
- Applicants must have lost their income due to reasons related to COVID-19.
International students who meet the employment/income requirements are eligible for the CERB. However, it is important to note that international students are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB is available to all eligible individuals, regardless of whether they earned income in 2019 or the 12 months before their application.
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Employment status
International students in Canada whose employment has been interrupted by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for emergency funding assistance, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). To be eligible for the CERB, international students must meet the following requirements:
- They must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number.
- They must have been forced to stop working due to reasons related to COVID-19. This includes students who lost their employment for reasons beyond their control or those who are unable to work due to illness.
- They must have earned a minimum income of CAD $5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to their application.
- They must be at least 15 years old.
It is important to note that the CERB is only available to those who meet all the eligibility criteria and are not eligible for other benefits such as EI regular or sickness benefits. The benefit provides temporary income support of CAD $500 per week for up to 16 weeks.
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Travel exemptions
To be eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), applicants must be international students who, among other criteria, had planned to work during the summer of 2020 but were unable to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes international students who:
- Had a job offer but could not work due to the pandemic;
- Lost their job or were unable to start work due to the pandemic;
- Are unable to find work due to the pandemic.
Additionally, to be eligible for the CESB, international students must have been present in Canada for the purpose of studying or working temporarily and must have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit.
International students with a valid study permit are usually exempt from travel restrictions and are allowed to enter Canada. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been specific travel restrictions and exemptions put in place for this situation.
As of [current date], the Government of Canada has implemented the following travel exemptions for international students:
- International students with a valid study permit or who have been approved for a study permit are exempt from travel restrictions and are allowed to enter Canada.
- Accompanying family members of international students, including spouses/common-law partners and dependent children, are also exempt from travel restrictions and are allowed to accompany the student to Canada.
- International students travelling to Canada must have a valid reason for travel, such as starting or resuming their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
- Students must be attending a DLI that is offering in-person learning and have appropriate plans to manage COVID-19 outbreaks.
- International students may be required to present a letter of invitation or acceptance from their educational institution and proof of a valid study permit upon arrival in Canada.
- All travellers, including international students, must follow mandatory testing and quarantine protocols. This includes providing a quarantine plan and having adequate support during the mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
It is important for international students to stay updated with the latest travel advice and restrictions, as the measures are subject to change rapidly based on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Students should consult official Government of Canada sources and their nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before planning their travel.
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Emergency funding assistance
International students in Canada have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Canadian government introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to support those without an income due to the pandemic. This benefit is available to international students and foreign workers if they meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for the CERB, individuals must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number. They must also have earned a minimum income of $5,000 in the last 12 months or in 2019. Moreover, they must have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19, such as illness or loss of employment beyond their control.
The CERB provides temporary income support of $500 per week for up to 16 weeks. This benefit is available to post-secondary and graduating high school students who meet the eligibility criteria. It is important to note that students who are looking for a job but have not stopped working because of COVID-19 are not eligible for the CERB.
In addition to the CERB, international students in Canada may also receive support from their educational institutions. Larissa Bezo, president and CEO of CBIE, stated that educational institutions are committed to providing necessary supports to international students, including academic accommodations, mental well-being support, emergency financial assistance, housing support, and technical support.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are eligible for Canada's Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they meet certain requirements.
To be eligible, students must reside in Canada, be at least 15 years old, have a valid Social Insurance Number, and have earned a minimum income of CA$5,000 in the last 12 months or 2019. They must also have stopped working due to COVID-19.
The CERB provides CA$500 per week for up to 16 weeks.
Yes, Canada has also provided travel exemptions for international students during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, some institutions offer emergency financial assistance, housing support, and technical support.
Yes, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, including being unemployed and eligible for EI regular benefits after March 15, 2020.
