Douglas Olsen
International students in Canada often work part-time to supplement their living expenses. However, with the recent reduction in the number of working hours for international students, some have started to wonder if they are eligible for employment insurance (EI) benefits. EI benefits are available to those who are unemployed, able and willing to work, and actively looking for a job. International students on a study permit who are laid off may be eligible for EI, but they must meet the eligibility criteria and declare their training or request permission from Service Canada to take full-time training when applying for benefits. Additionally, EI is not considered public funding and will not impact applications for permanent residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for EI | International students are not eligible for EI as their study permits restrict the number of hours they can work, and EI is only for full-time availability. However, they may be eligible for special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act if they face hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member. |
| Special benefits for international students | Maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits. |
| Eligibility requirements for special benefits | International students must meet the same criteria as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. They must have a valid study permit or work permit and be covered under the Health Insurance Programme of the Province they study and reside in. |
| Work permit requirements for international students | International students must have a valid study permit and meet the conditions set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They can work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet certain requirements. |
| Work hours for international students | International students can work up to 24 hours per week, with the ability to work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals. |
| Application process for EI | To determine eligibility, individuals must submit an online application. If eligible, they can apply for EI benefits online. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada can work off-campus
Secondly, students must have a valid study permit that explicitly allows off-campus work. To work off-campus without a work permit, the student's permit must include specific conditions printed on it, such as "May work 20 hours per week off-campus" or "May work full-time during regular breaks."
It is important to note that the number of hours international students can work off-campus has changed over time. Previously, students were restricted to working 20 hours per week during academic sessions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary policy allowed students to exceed this limit until April 30, 2024. As of November 8, 2024, the off-campus work limit was increased to 24 hours per week.
International students must also comply with any other conditions listed on their study permit, such as actively pursuing their studies and meeting the requirements of their specific program. Additionally, students must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to begin employment.
While international students in Canada can generally work off-campus if they meet these criteria, it is important to note that eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits may be a separate matter. Some sources indicate that international students on study permits may not be eligible for EI as it is typically for those available for full-time work. However, they may be eligible for special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act in certain circumstances, such as hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member.
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International students are eligible for EI special benefits
International students in Canada are generally allowed to work off-campus, which means they can work and study outside the boundaries of their school or college. This can include working part-time or full-time in a job related to their field of study, or taking on an internship or apprenticeship. However, international students on study permits are restricted to working 20 hours a week, which was temporarily increased to 24 hours per week in November 2022. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status.
International students with a valid study permit or work permit are typically covered under the Health Insurance Programme of their province of study and residence. They may also be eligible for special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act if they face hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member. These special benefits may include extended health benefits, additional maternity or parental leave benefits, and financial assistance for those who have lost their jobs. It is important to note that eligibility requirements for these benefits vary depending on the individual's situation, and international students must meet the same criteria as Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
To determine eligibility for EI regular benefits, individuals must submit an application. The online application takes about an hour to complete, and it is important to apply within four weeks of the last day of work to avoid losing benefits. The eligibility criteria for EI regular benefits include factors such as the unemployment rate in the individual's region and the number of insurable hours worked.
While some sources indicate that international students are not eligible for EI regular benefits due to their part-time work restrictions, others suggest that hours accumulated during studies can be useful for eligibility after graduation when full-time work is possible. Additionally, during COVID-19, international students in certain job types were allowed to work full-time, which may have impacted their EI eligibility. It is always essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult official sources or seek legal advice to understand the specific conditions and requirements for receiving EI benefits as an international student.
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EI eligibility for part-time students
Part-time employment typically refers to working fewer than 30 hours per week, while full-time employment is generally considered to be 40 hours per week. However, these definitions can vary depending on the industry and the specific policies of an employer.
Now, regarding EI eligibility for part-time students:
- International Students: International students in Canada on a study permit are typically eligible for off-campus work, which can include part-time employment. To qualify for EI benefits, international students must meet the same criteria as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. However, their eligibility for EI may be restricted by the number of hours they are allowed to work, as outlined on their study permit. International students facing hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member may be eligible for special benefits, including extended health benefits and financial assistance.
- Qualifying Hours and Region: To be eligible for EI benefits, individuals must accumulate a certain number of insurable or qualifying hours, which can vary depending on the economic region they reside in. The rate of unemployment in a specific region determines the number of hours required to qualify for regular benefits.
- Full-Time Training and Availability: Part-time students who wish to engage in full-time training while receiving EI benefits must declare their training and prove that they are still available for work and actively seeking employment. Permission from the provincial or territorial government is usually required to continue receiving EI benefits while in full-time training.
- Incarceration and Violations: Individuals who have been incarcerated but are later found not guilty may have their qualifying and benefit periods extended upon providing the necessary proof. However, those who have received a notice of violation regarding prior EI benefit periods will be subject to an increased number of insurable hours required to qualify for benefits.
It is important for part-time students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult official government sources or legal professionals to determine their specific eligibility for EI benefits. The information provided here is meant to offer a general overview, and specific circumstances may vary.
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International students must file tax returns
International students in Canada with a valid study permit are usually covered under the Health Insurance Programme of the Province they study and reside in. They may also be eligible to receive special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act if they face hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member. However, it is important to note that international students in Canada are generally restricted to working a limited number of hours, which may affect their eligibility for EI.
International students in the US must file their tax returns each year if they were in the country during the previous calendar year. This applies even if they did not earn any income during their time in the US. They must file Form 8843 with the IRS before the deadline, which is June 15, 2025, for those who had no US income. Additionally, they may need to file Form 1040-NR if they received income from US sources.
It is important to note that tax rates and deductions vary across different states in the US, so the amount of tax payable will depend on the student's location. While some states do not have any tax-filing requirements, others may require filing state tax returns and paying state income tax even when no federal return is due. International students should also be aware of their home country's tax requirements, as they may need to file taxes there as well.
To ensure compliance with tax regulations, international students are advised to consult a tax professional or accountant. They can provide guidance on taking advantage of potential tax savings and avoiding penalties for missing deadlines.
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International students need a valid study permit
International students in Canada are required to have a valid study permit to work off-campus. This permit allows them to work part-time or full-time in jobs related to their field of study or take on internships and apprenticeships. While international students on a study permit are generally not eligible for EI regular benefits, they may be eligible for special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act in certain circumstances. These include facing hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member.
To be eligible for off-campus work in Canada, international students must have a valid study permit and fulfil specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students must also ensure they do not violate the conditions of their study permit, such as working more than 24 hours a week, as this could result in losing their student status and future permit approvals.
The eligibility criteria for international students to receive special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act are the same as those for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students with a valid study permit are typically covered by the Health Insurance Programme of their province of study and residence.
It is important to note that the availability of benefits may vary based on an individual's situation. International students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult official sources or seek legal advice to ensure they understand their rights and entitlements regarding employment and benefits in Canada.
While some sources indicate that international students are not eligible for EI benefits, others suggest that they may qualify for specific benefits under certain conditions. It is always advisable for international students to research and understand the eligibility requirements before applying for any benefits to avoid unexpected repayment requests.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work off-campus while studying in Canada if they have a valid study permit and meet certain conditions set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They can work part-time or full-time in a job related to their field of study or take on internships or apprenticeships.
International students on study permits are generally not eligible for EI regular benefits as these benefits are only for those who are available for full-time work. However, they may be eligible for special benefits under the Employment Insurance Act in cases of hardship due to illness, pregnancy, or the death of a family member.
Special benefits that international students with a valid study or work permit may be eligible for include extended health benefits, additional maternity or parental leave benefits, and financial assistance for those who have lost their job.
To be eligible for special benefits, international students must meet the same criteria as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. They must have worked in a job insured under Canada's Employment Insurance program and for at least 600 hours in the last 52 weeks or since their last claim.
International students can check their eligibility for EI benefits by submitting an application. They can also contact Service Canada to speak to someone about their specific situation and eligibility.
