International Students In Canada: Ei Application Eligibility

International students in Canada are allowed to work a limited number of hours while studying and are required to pay EI insurable premiums through their salaries, wages, and commissions to the government. However, the question of whether international students can apply for EI benefits in Canada is a complex one. While some sources suggest that international students are not eligible for EI sickness benefits, others indicate that they can be eligible if they have a valid study permit and are working. The eligibility requirements for EI benefits in Canada vary, and it is important for international students to carefully review the criteria and consult with relevant authorities to determine their specific eligibility.

International students working and paying EI premiums

International students in Canada with valid study permits are allowed to work unlimited hours on-campus and limited hours off-campus (20 hours or less per week) during the school term. They can work full-time during scheduled breaks. While working in Canada, international students pay EI insurable premiums through their salaries, wages, and commissions to the government.

International students are not eligible for EI sickness benefits because they are not considered workers but students. However, there are opinions that international students should be eligible for EI benefits, given their enormous contribution to the Canadian economy. They occupy thousands of job positions, both on and off-campus, and contribute billions of dollars to the country's GDP. Many of them intend to stay in Canada permanently as citizens, which will further support the economy.

Some international students have shared their experiences of being deemed ineligible for EI benefits, even when they meet the 600 insured hours requirement. Their temporary resident status as students and not work permit holders disqualify them from accessing EI sickness benefits.

It is important to note that EI is not considered public funds and will have no impact on a permanent residency application. International students can check their eligibility for EI benefits and consult with an employment lawyer or immigration consultant for more specific advice.

EI application process for international students

International students in Canada are eligible to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) if they have been working in Canada and paying into EI. To apply, they must complete and submit an online application, providing details about their employment in the past 52 weeks or since the start of their last claim, whichever is shorter. This includes the reason for separation from their employer, if applicable, and their Records of Employment (ROEs) from each employer. Applicants can send the required documents after submitting their application.

If an international student has already applied for EI benefits within the last 52 weeks and there are still weeks payable on that claim, their existing claim will be automatically reactivated when they submit a new application. In some cases, it may be advantageous to cancel the old claim and start a new one, as this may increase the benefit amount or the length of the benefit period.

It is important to note that if an applicant has been incarcerated, they must provide proof that they were not found guilty of the offence(s) that led to their incarceration. Additionally, the qualifying period for EI benefits may be extended to a maximum of 104 weeks if the applicant was not employed in insurable employment or was not receiving EI benefits.

The online application process typically takes about an hour to complete, and applicants will receive a temporary password that allows them to return to their application within 72 hours if needed. Once the application is received, a benefit statement with a 4-digit access code will be mailed to the applicant. This code, along with the applicant's SIN, will be necessary for following up on their application.

International students' eligibility for EI

International students in Canada are eligible for EI benefits if they have a valid study permit and are enrolled at a designated learning institution. They are allowed to work unlimited hours on-campus and up to 20 hours off-campus while school is in session. This enables them to support themselves financially while studying in Canada.

International students pay EI insurable premiums through their salaries, wages, and commissions to the government. Therefore, when they become sick and unable to work, their deductions should support them financially. However, in practice, international students are often deemed ineligible for EI sickness benefits because they are classified as students rather than workers, despite paying EI premiums.

To be eligible for EI sickness benefits, individuals must demonstrate that they are unable to work due to medical reasons, have at least 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before the application, and have experienced a decrease in regular earnings of more than 40% for at least a week. While some international students may meet these requirements, their temporary resident status and lack of a work permit can disqualify them from receiving EI benefits.

It is important to note that EI is not considered public funds and will have no impact on an individual's permanent residency application in Canada. International students facing financial hardship due to unemployment or sickness are encouraged to explore other support options, such as connecting with their embassy, international student offices, and organizations for newcomers and migrant workers.

Impact of EI on permanent residency applications

International students in Canada are eligible to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) if they have been working and paying into EI. However, it is important to note that international students need to meet all eligibility requirements, including having a valid study permit and studying at a designated learning institution. Foreign workers with non-renewable work permits are not entitled to extend their stay in Canada and must leave the country once their permit expires.

Regarding the impact of EI on permanent residency applications, one source mentions that claiming EI will not affect future permanent residency applications. This suggests that receiving EI benefits will not have a negative impact on an individual's long-term plans to become a permanent resident in Canada.

It is worth noting that the eligibility requirements for EI benefits may differ for foreign workers, and the type and validity of their work permits can directly impact their eligibility. Foreign workers employed in insurable employment are required to pay EI premiums and, if eligible, can receive the same benefits as Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

While EI benefits can provide support during periods of unemployment, it is always recommended to consult official government sources or seek advice from qualified professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility and any potential implications on permanent residency applications.

International students' entitlement to EI sickness benefits

International students in Canada are eligible to apply for EI sickness benefits if they have been working and paying into Employment Insurance (EI). They must also be studying at a designated learning institution and have a valid study permit.

To apply for EI sickness benefits, international students must provide information such as the names and addresses of their employers in the past 52 weeks, the dates of their employment, and a detailed explanation of the reasons for leaving any jobs in the past 52 weeks. They will also need to obtain a medical certificate from a medical practitioner, which may include a fee. The medical certificate must indicate that the student is unable to work due to medical reasons, such as illness, injury, quarantine, or any other medical condition.

Once the application is submitted, Service Canada will collect the personal information provided to determine eligibility for EI benefits. Applicants will receive a benefit statement with a 4-digit access code, which they can use to follow up on their application. It is important to note that receiving the benefit statement does not indicate a decision on the claim.

If approved, international students can receive up to 26 weeks of EI sickness benefits, providing them with 55% of their insurable earnings up to a maximum of $695 per week. The exact amount and duration of benefits will depend on the individual's specific circumstances and the length of time they are unable to work due to medical reasons.

It is worth mentioning that some employers may provide additional money to employees on sick leave, known as a "top-up." Therefore, it is advisable for international students to check with their employers to see if they offer any supplementary benefits during their sick leave.

Frequently asked questions