Employment Insurance information for foreign workers who've lost jobs

For information on Canadian Employment Insurance Eligibility for Temporary Foreign Workers please click here

Employment Insurance provides temporary income support during periods of unemployment. Temporary foreign workers must meet the same eligibility requirements as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Five types of benefits are available:

• Regular benefits for individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, or seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and capable of working, but can’t find a job;

• Sickness benefits for individuals who are unable to work because of sickness, injury, or quarantine, but are otherwise available for work;

• Maternity benefits for workers who are pregnant or who have recently given birth to a child;

• Parental benefits for workers who are caring for a newborn or adopted child; and

• Compassionate care benefits for workers who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death.