Why are we eligible for EI when we move to US on a K1 visa?

[MontyFlo 6]

Hi

So my question is in the title: Why are we eligible for EI when we move to US on a K1 visa? I mean isn't it only for those who are actually leaving and staying in the Canada since it is to help them finding a new job? But if I understood it well I read that we are eligible for it when we move to the US on a K1 visa once we obtain the EAD and if we were working here in Canada before moving there; right? I just want to know cause actually I just found out that maybe we were eligible and I wanted to know why and if it is true I would probably apply for it since I am going to move soon to the US on my K1 visa.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Edited February 10, 2015 by MontyFlo

[Marco&Bettina 502]

Hi

So my question is in the title: Why are we eligible for EI when we move to US on a K1 visa? I mean isn't it only for those who are actually leaving and staying in the Canada since it is to help them finding a new job? But if I understood it well I read that we are eligible for it when we move to the US on a K1 visa once we obtain the EAD and if we were working here in Canada before moving there; right? I just want to know cause actually I just found out that maybe we were eligible and I wanted to know why and if it is true I would probably apply for it since I am going to move soon to the US on my K1 visa.

Thanks a lot for your help!

El?

[MontyFlo 6]

El?

Employment Insurance from Canada

[decocker 7,198]

i understood it like this: once you have your EAD and you're eligible to look for work in the us - you're eligible to collect your EI. you have to wait until you have your EAD to file EI because until you have the EAD you're not legally allowed to work in the US.

[Lemonslice 4,838]

See: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/8-the-canuck-ei-thread/

[Flames9_RN 358]

Best NOT to ask questions......as I am surprised it has lasted this long.....

[Ms Hogan 295]

Best NOT to ask questions......as I am surprised it has lasted this long.....

NO KIDDING. Leave it alone and don't ask. It doesn't make sense to me but I'm not wanting to give it back!

[thatangela 134]

Who cares why? I'm just happy we can.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I thought of it this way - I paid my dues since age 17 till 37, I darn well deserved to get that benefit for the few months (4) that I collected before finding employment here in the US. I'll never be eligible again for Canadian EI.

[chiggins82 88]

My understanding is that EI considers it just cause to quit a job due to relocation of a spouse. Not totally sure why K-1 qualifies (as we aren't yet married).. maybe because the visa is given on the condition you are marrying your partner?

I was shocked when I found this out as well!

[herestoUS 5]

I always thought of it as one of the last acts of compassion or understanding of love when it comes to the government. Its like they are basically saying, its not your fault you fell in love with someone and now want to go be with them.

If I remember right I think you have to not be able to do your job remotely or be unreasonably far from your job where you couldn't still get there while living in the US.

Its like they're saying, yeah we get it, you're in love, going to get married, and you pretty much HAVE to go be with that person for the sake of love/marriage/life/family, you have to leave your job and we get that. Its pretty cool stuff.

[thatangela 134]

No government should ever be accused of being compassionate.

[NikLR 13,227]

A k1 DOESN'T qualify until after marriage and EAD. You can easily get a job telecommuting or by travel in Canada. Because you've paid EI, you're entitled to claim it when you're not working but are willing and able to do so. It doesn't help you FIND work, it helps pay for bills when you're not. It only pays, at most, 55% of your previous income as well. You still have to be qualified.

As Flames has stated, don't ask so ye shall receive.

[Ms Hogan 295]

I always thought of it as one of the last acts of compassion or understanding of love when it comes to the government. Its like they are basically saying, its not your fault you fell in love with someone and now want to go be with them.

If I remember right I think you have to not be able to do your job remotely or be unreasonably far from your job where you couldn't still get there while living in the US.

Its like they're saying, yeah we get it, you're in love, going to get married, and you pretty much HAVE to go be with that person for the sake of love/marriage/life/family, you have to leave your job and we get that. Its pretty cool stuff.

i was thinking it was more like, 'oh, we're sorry you have to move to America from Canada' NO??

No government should ever be accused of being compassionate.

I think it's more that they can't figure out how to say NO to us for it. They'll figure it out eventually and stop it.

[MissSarah 22]

i understood it like this: once you have your EAD and you're eligible to look for work in the us - you're eligible to collect your EI. you have to wait until you have your EAD to file EI because until you have the EAD you're not legally allowed to work in the US.

I applied before I left, file was on hold until I submitted EAD and other documents. After that was sorted, I received EI.

I think there is a time limit to apply, something like within 4 weeks of loss of job, otherwise this can cause a loss of benefits.