EI premiums are deducted from every paycheque. Here is how to qualify and collect if you lose your job.
What is Employment Insurance (EI)?
Employment Insurance is a federal program that provides temporary income support to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (layoff, shortage of work), or who must stop working due to specific life events like illness, pregnancy, parental leave, or caregiving.
EI premiums are mandatory — they are deducted automatically from every employed worker's paycheque, regardless of immigration status. In 2026, employees pay 1.66% of insurable earnings, and employers pay 1.4 times the employee rate. As a newcomer who works, you are paying into EI from day one.
Source: Government of Canada — Employment Insurance
Who is eligible for EI as a newcomer?
To qualify for regular EI benefits (job loss), you must meet all three conditions:
✓You have a valid work authorization
Permanent residents, work permit holders, and Canadian citizens are eligible. Visitor visa holders without work authorization are not.
✓You have worked enough insurable hours
Depending on your region's unemployment rate, you need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks (or since your last EI claim). Most regions require around 420–560 hours.
✓You lost your job through no fault of your own
Layoffs, end of contract, shortage of work, or plant closures qualify. If you quit voluntarily or were fired for misconduct, you generally do not qualify.
Important for newcomers: hours worked before arriving in Canada do not count toward your EI insurable hours. You must accumulate the required hours after starting work in Canada.
How much EI will you receive?
EI regular benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum insurable earnings ceiling. In 2026, the maximum insurable earnings are $65,700, making the maximum weekly benefit approximately $695.
EIBenefit rate
55% of average insurable weekly earnings
EIMaximum weekly benefit (2026)
Approximately $695 per week
EIMaximum insurable earnings (2026)
$65,700 per year
EIDuration of benefits
14 to 45 weeks depending on hours worked and regional unemployment rate
EIWaiting period
1 week waiting period before benefits begin
Other types of EI benefits newcomers can access
EI is not just for job loss. Once you meet the insurable hours requirement, you may also qualify for:
- →EI Maternity Benefits — 15 weeks for the birth mother
- →EI Parental Benefits — up to 40 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended) for any parent
- →EI Sickness Benefits — up to 26 weeks if you are ill, injured, or quarantined
- →EI Caregiving Benefits — if you care for a critically ill family member
- →EI Compassionate Care Benefits — for end-of-life caregiving
How to apply for EI
Apply as soon as you lose your job — do not wait. You can apply up to 4 weeks before your last day of work. Late applications can result in lost benefit weeks.
1Get your Record of Employment (ROE)
Your employer must issue a ROE within 5 calendar days of your last day worked. It is usually submitted electronically to Service Canada.
2Apply online at My Service Canada Account
Go to canada.ca/ei-apply. You will need your SIN, employment history for the past 52 weeks, and direct deposit banking information.
3Complete your biweekly reports
Once approved, you must submit a report every 2 weeks confirming you are available and actively looking for work. Missing a report stops your payments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I qualify for EI if I am on a temporary work permit?▼
Yes. If you have a valid work permit and have accumulated enough insurable hours in Canada, you can apply for EI. Your immigration status does not bar you from collecting EI if you paid premiums.
What if my permit expires while on EI?▼
You must have a valid work permit to collect EI. If your permit expires, you should apply for a renewal or an open work permit. Service Canada may stop payments if you do not have valid work authorization.
Is EI taxable income?▼
Yes. EI benefits are taxable. Service Canada deducts income tax from your payments. You will receive a T4E slip in February for the previous year's EI income.