Applying EI from US

[redBlue 1]

I was working as a self-emplyed for the last four years when I was in Canada.Prior to that I was working full-time for a company and I've worked there three years.

I know that we can not collect EI if you are self-employed.But since I used to be a full-time employee prior to being self-emplyed and all EI payments were fully paid during that period,does that make me still eligiable to apply for EI?

I've moved to US two weeks ago.

Thnx in advance

[joevegas 67]

I don't think your gonna have much luck,to much time has passed since you paid into EI....4 years is just to long,but hey..you can always call them up and ask...

[Darnell 8,478]

Maybe. You lose nothing if you apply and are denied.

[trailmix 77]

You can always inquire, but generally the insurable hours must have been worked in the last year:

To be eligible for regular benefits you must show that:

•you have been without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days; and

•in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, this period is called the qualifying period, you have worked for the required number of insurable hours. The hours are based on where you live and the unemployment rate in your economic region at the time of filing your claim for benefits.

Edited May 1, 2010 by trailmix

[zenaxe 22]

I was working as a self-emplyed for the last four years when I was in Canada.Prior to that I was working full-time for a company and I've worked there three years.

I know that we can not collect EI if you are self-employed.But since I used to be a full-time employee prior to being self-emplyed and all EI payments were fully paid during that period,does that make me still eligiable to apply for EI?

I've moved to US two weeks ago.

Thnx in advance

You can inquire and call Service Canada, they answer everything it seems. Also inquire with EI as Trailmix added.

[Golden_State 2]

From your timeline, it looks like you're trying to apply for EI from the US. Pretty sure you have to live in Canada and be "unemployed" in Canada to get EI. You don't get back what you put into EI when you move.

[BlueBonnet 84]

Phone 1-800-622-6232

Ask them your question. They may not be able to answer it for you, but they will definelty give you a phone number to reach someone who can answer it, or a website to use.

Im with the other posters here though. I think you are out dated for applying and as a self enployed person you never qualified anyways.

But it never hurts to ask.

[birdnerd 5]

From your timeline, it looks like you're trying to apply for EI from the US. Pretty sure you have to live in Canada and be "unemployed" in Canada to get EI. You don't get back what you put into EI when you move.

Actually, you can. You might want to check out this thread: Canada EI thread

[redBlue 1]

Thanks for all the answers

For those of you who thinks that we can't apply for EI once we move to US,pls read Canada EI pinned threat.Don't miss the opportunity.

I will call the Service Canada and see if I still have chance.

Thnx trailmix for the info.

[Golden_State 2]

Ok, definitely something to look into more closely. I was looking here and it says you have to be "available to work in Canada" and actively looking for work (which directs you to Canadian employment links). I'll definitely look more closely into this. Thanks for the tip!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yep, many of us got EI in the USA! Moving to be with a spouse in the USA is a valid reason!!

[Colleens 40]

Ok, definitely something to look into more closely. I was looking here and it says you have to be "available to work in Canada" and actively looking for work (which directs you to Canadian employment links). I'll definitely look more closely into this. Thanks for the tip!

You will not start recieving benefits until you have you EAD or green card, you still must legally be able to work. You still apply within the 4 weeks of leaving your employment, but there will be a bit of a lag in getting benefits. For a K1, you will have to get married, file your AOS (and EAD) and once you get EAD...you should be good to go!!

[Dan and Ali 3]

If I understood your post correctly, you said that you worked as a self-employed individual for the past 4 years, and prior to those 4 years you worked full-time for a company as an employee. If this is correct, then unfortunately you will not be eligible for EI. In order to qualify for EI, you must have insurable hours in the last year (and in some very special cases, the last two years, which still doesn't help you ).

However, if I misunderstood and you're saying you were engaged in both at the same time -- by all means, apply. You simply need hours of insurable employment within the last year/two years. Make sure you apply soon, you're actually supposed to apply within 4 weeks of your last day of work.

Edited May 2, 2010 by Dan and Ali