International Students: Eligibility For Cerb Benefits

International students in Canada were among the groups covered by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) scheme, which was introduced to support citizens and taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme provided temporary income support to those whose livelihoods were affected by the pandemic, paying successful applicants CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks. However, there were concerns about eligibility criteria, with some students reportedly left out of the scheme on technicalities.

CERB requirements for international students

International students in Canada are among the many groups covered by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). CERB is a government scheme to support citizens and taxpayers during the COVID-19 outbreak. It provides temporary income support for those whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19. Under this scheme, Canadian taxpayers are entitled to CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

To be eligible for CERB, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Reside in Canada and be at least 15 years old.
• Have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19, or be eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits between December 29, 2019, and October 3, 2020.
• Have had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.
• Have not quit their job voluntarily.
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). International students in Canada without a SIN may still be eligible if they meet all other requirements.

It is important to note that the CERB scheme is not applicable to those who are still working, even if it is for fewer hours than before. Additionally, if you are a student who had a job last year and were planning to work this year, you may not be eligible for CERB.

Student eligibility for CERB

International students in Canada are among the many groups covered by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). CERB is a government scheme to support citizens and taxpayers during the COVID-19 outbreak. It provides temporary income support for those whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic. Under this scheme, Canadian taxpayers are entitled to CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

However, there are certain eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The benefit is available to workers:

• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old
• Who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19, or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits between December 29, 2019, and October 3, 2020
• Who had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
• Who have not quit their job voluntarily

International students in Canada may apply to receive CA$2,000 taxable income monthly if they have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). International students in Canada without a SIN may still be eligible if they meet all other requirements.

It is important to note that the information provided here may not be exhaustive and that eligibility for CERB should be determined by the relevant government authorities.

Study visas and CERB

International students in Canada are among the many groups covered by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). CERB is a government scheme to support citizens and taxpayers during the COVID-19 outbreak. CERB will pay successful applicants CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

To be eligible for CERB, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Residing in Canada
• At least 15 years old
• Have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19
• Are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits between December 29, 2019, and October 3, 2020
• Had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
• Have not quit their job voluntarily
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). International students in Canada without a SIN may still be eligible if they meet all other requirements.

It is important to note that the CERB scheme is not applicable to students who had a job last year and were planning on working this summer. Additionally, if you are still working, even if it is for fewer hours, you may not be eligible for CERB.

Regarding study visas, it is unclear whether those on study visas will be eligible for CERB as there may be expectations that they are able to afford their tuition and living expenses. It is recommended to file with CRA to determine eligibility.

For international students in the United States, there is information available on how to apply for a Schengen visa. This may be relevant for students intending to travel to the Schengen area during school vacations. Applicants should apply in advance, typically two weeks before their intended travel date, and determine the appropriate "type" of Schengen visa required.

CERB application process for international students

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a taxable benefit that provides $2,000 a month for up to four months to workers who have lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, including international students.

To be eligible for CERB, you must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Canada and be at least 15 years old.
• Have stopped working due to reasons related to COVID-19, or be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted your EI regular benefits between December 29, 2019, and October 3, 2020.
• Have had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to your application.
• Not have quit your job voluntarily.

Previously, international students were required to provide proof of a valid work permit when applying for CERB. However, the application process has been streamlined, and now verbal confirmation of a valid work permit is sufficient. This change was made to support international students facing financial hardship during the pandemic.

It is important to note that there have been reports of issues with the simplified CERB application process, including a lack of verification of eligibility criteria and duplicate applications and payments. As such, it is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration professional or tax advisor before applying for CERB to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and avoid potential future repercussions.

CERB payment details

International students in Canada have questioned their eligibility for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The benefit was introduced by the government to assist those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. It was a simple application process with minimal eligibility requirements. To be eligible, one had to be a resident of Canada, at least 15 years old, have stopped working due to COVID-19, be eligible for Employment Insurance, and have earned at least $5,000 from employment in 2019 or the 12 months before their application.

Some international students have claimed to meet these requirements, but their student status in Canada and lack of a work permit have complicated their eligibility. It is unclear if those on study visas will be eligible, as they are expected to be students and cover their tuition and living expenses.

There have been instances of individuals receiving CERB without fully understanding the criteria and their eligibility. As a result, the government started collecting payments in May 2022 from those deemed ineligible. As of April 30, 2024, there was still $9.53 billion in outstanding COVID-19 benefit-related debt. The CRA has stated that it will issue legal warnings and take steps to recover overpayments, including taking payments from wages or bank accounts.

Those who have received collection letters from the CRA have a few options. They can try to prove their eligibility, make full payments, or consider bankruptcy or consumer proposals to reduce their debts. It is important to note that not filing taxes due to student status may impact eligibility determination.

Frequently asked questions