Lana Oconnell
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the careers of many students and recent graduates, with numerous part-time and campus jobs being lost. In response, the Canadian government introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to provide temporary income support to those whose livelihoods have been affected. CERB offers CA$2,000 per month for up to four months to workers and independent contractors who have lost their income due to the pandemic. While some students may qualify for CERB, many do not meet the criteria. International students in Canada may be eligible for CERB if they have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), have earned at least CA$5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to their application, and meet other eligibility requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for CERB? | Workers and independent contractors who have lost employment because of COVID-19 |
| Who is not eligible for CERB? | Students who had a job last year and were planning on working this summer |
| How much does CERB offer? | CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks |
| How often do you need to reapply for CERB? | Every four weeks |
| What is the maximum size of CERB? | $2,000 a month for up to four months |
| Who is eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)? | Students and recent graduates who do not qualify for CERB |
| Who is not eligible for CESB? | International students |
| How much does CESB offer? | $1,250 per month for students who are eligible from May through August 2020 |
| How much does CESB offer for students with permanent disabilities or who have dependents? | $1,750 per month |
| Are international students eligible for CERB? | Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada: eligibility requirements
International students in Canada may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they meet the following requirements:
- They must be residing in Canada.
- They must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). However, international students without an SIN may still be eligible if they meet all other requirements.
- They must have earned an income of at least CA$5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to their application.
- They must be 15 years of age or older at the time of application.
- They must have stopped working due to COVID-19 or have not voluntarily quit their job.
It is important to note that CERB is intended for those who have lost their jobs or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International students who had planned to work during the summer but had not yet started working would not qualify for CERB.
The CERB provides temporary income support, offering CA$500 per week for up to 16 weeks. Applicants must reapply every four weeks and provide supporting documents to prove their continued eligibility.
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Temporary foreign workers: eligibility
Temporary foreign workers and international students in Canada may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they meet certain requirements. The CERB was created to support those without an income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides CA$500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
To be eligible for CERB, applicants must:
- Be 15 years of age or older.
- Have stopped working or will stop working due to COVID-19, illness, or reasons beyond their control.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Temporary residents without a SIN may still be eligible if they meet other requirements.
- Have earned an income of at least CA$5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to the date of their application.
Previously, applicants were required to provide proof of a valid work permit. However, the Canadian government has removed this requirement to simplify and expedite the application process for foreign workers and students.
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CERB vs CESB
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the careers of many students and recent graduates, leaving them without the support of normal unemployment benefits. To address this, the Canadian government introduced two financial aid packages: the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).
CERB was created to support employed and self-employed Canadians who lost their income as a result of COVID-19. It provides $2,000 every four weeks for up to 16 weeks. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 15 years old, reside in Canada, and have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to their application. They must also have stopped working due to COVID-19 and not have quit their job voluntarily.
CESB, on the other hand, was specifically designed for students who do not qualify for CERB or Employment Insurance (EI). It provides financial support to post-secondary students and recent graduates who are unable to find work due to the pandemic. Eligible students receive $1,250 per month from May through August 2020, while those with permanent disabilities or dependents receive $1,750. To qualify, students must be unable to work or find work and must have earned less than $1,000 in the last month.
International students in Canada may be eligible for CERB if they meet the eligibility requirements, including having a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and earning an income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months prior to their application. However, international students do not qualify for CESB, as it is only available to permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
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How to apply
International students in Canada may apply to receive CA$2,000 taxable income monthly if they meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). International students in Canada without an SIN may still be eligible if they meet all other requirements.
- Have stopped working due to COVID-19 or have not voluntarily quit their job.
- Earned an income of at least CA$5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.
To apply, you can submit your application online, through a phone call, or via your bank. You will need to reapply for CERB every four weeks and prove that you still qualify for the payout with supporting documents.
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What if I don't qualify?
If you do not qualify for CERB, you may still be eligible for other benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). CESB is an income supplement provided by the federal government to support students and recent graduates who do not qualify for CERB. It provides a benefit of $1,250 per month for eligible students and $1,750 per month for students with permanent disabilities or dependents.
To be eligible for CESB, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a student or recent graduate from a post-secondary or high school institution
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (for CESB) or a resident of Canada (for CERB)
- Have earned at least CA$5,000 in the previous year or in the 12 months before your application
- Be 15 years of age or older at the time of application
- Not have voluntarily quit your job
If you are an international student in Canada, you may still be eligible for CERB if you have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and meet the other eligibility requirements. Additionally, the government has temporarily lifted the 20-hour work restriction for international students, allowing them to take on more hours in essential services during the pandemic.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and benefits may vary over time, so it is recommended to refer to the official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada may qualify for CERB if they meet the eligibility criteria. They must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and reside in Canada. They must also have earned at least CA$5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months before their application.
CERB, or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, provides CA$2,000 every four weeks to workers and independent contractors who have lost employment or income due to COVID-19.
You can apply for CERB online, through a phone call, or via your bank. You will need to reapply every four weeks and prove your eligibility at each stage.
