The Canuck EI Thread

[MrsCat 6]

I have a question... I am waiting for my K3 interview and visa but plan to move with my kids(one daughter being the lucky dual-citizen) as soon as we can. I am on Maternity leave and EI. Can I continue to collect it once I move?

Sounds that this is possible, you just need to notify them of your absence from Canada:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/special.shtml#Maternity5

Maternity, parental and sickness benefits when you are out of the country

You are able to collect maternity and parental benefits while you are outside Canada. However, you must advise your Service Canada Centre if you go out of Canada.

[saskswan 1]

Great! Thanks!

[hheaven67 2]

My husband came here on a K1 visa that expires in the middle of December. He just spoke with EI who told him that as soon as he got married it invalidated his visa and he can not collect EI because he is not legally able to work. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a way around it?

Your i-94 is still valid, it was not invalidated by you getting married.

I guess maybe sending in a copy of the SSN policy document that includes the info about K-1s having work auth. for as long as their visa lasts, which is 90 days. It's iffy if we actually have work authorization, some US bodies think we do, some don't.

I don't know if you can appeal, I am sorry they decided to be crusty about it.

That's what I told my husband about it...according to SSA he is authorized to work (he even has the SSN card), so I don't know what the lady at EI was thinking. He'll call again in the beginning of the week with the SSA document in hand, ready to send to them. It's almost moot now, the I-94 expires in the middle of December.

He should be able to still get EI backdated to when his I-94 was stamped...if you're having issues with somebody telling you different, ask to speak to Donna at the 1-877-486-1650, she knows her stuff and she knows the difference between the visas!! You'll probably have to fax in the I-94 to 1-613-969-4017...whoever your hubby spoke to doesn't know #######...if he just called the regular EI number, that would be more than likely why he got that answer...good luck!

jen

[JillA 2]

I've called 877-486-1650 since Thursday and left 2 messages, with no call-back. I just tried again and the mailbox is full! Does anyone know of another way to reach the office and speak to a LIVE person/no machine?

[naviomelo 0]

They don't call back. I have no idea why they have that voicemail set up. Best advice is to just fill out the application online and wait for them to contact you.

[JillA 2]

They don't call back. I have no idea why they have that voicemail set up. Best advice is to just fill out the application online and wait for them to contact you.

Thank you, do you have the link to fill out the application online?

[JillA 2]

They don't call back. I have no idea why they have that voicemail set up. Best advice is to just fill out the application online and wait for them to contact you.

Thank you, do you have the link to fill out the application online?

Nevermind I found it! Thanks for the advice, I was going to keep calling and leaving messages LOL

[JillA 2]

I just applied online, it went smoothly. It said the next step is that they mail me a package! I guess we'll see what happens!

[Syllogism 0]

Quick question. Just got off the phone with the Belleville office and it looks like they will be denying my EI claim. I was told that, since I got married two weeks after entering the United States, my "K1 work permit" has been invalidated by my marriage until I receive my EAD.

They have copies of my K1 and I94 and the applicability of those documents does not seem to be in question.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any luck appealing it? Thanks.

[naviomelo 0]

Filed for this in mid-October and still haven't received a dime. I'm beginning to lose hope.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Filed for this in mid-October and still haven't received a dime. I'm beginning to lose hope.

Have you bothered to call them and ask whats the status of your case?

[naviomelo 0]

Filed for this in mid-October and still haven't received a dime. I'm beginning to lose hope.

Have you bothered to call them and ask whats the status of your case?

Yeah, I spoke to them and they said they hadn't received a copy of my visa that I snail mailed them in November when they asked. I faxed it to them that day (12/4) and waited. Called back on 12/8 and they said that they didn't have the fax; that it was likely taken off the machine and sent to Kingston(?). I asked if I should fax it again and she said to do it within the hour and she'd take it right off the machine. I faxed it on the afternoon of 12/8 and called to confirm receipt, and that's the last I've heard. When I log into Service Canada it says that additional information has been received on the case and that they will make every effort to review it by 12/30.

[Emancipation 2]

When I log into Service Canada it says that additional information has been received on the case and that they will make every effort to review it by 12/30.

keep on 'em.. squeeky wheel and all.. I called once a week until my claim was approved

[JillA 2]

I applied about 3 weeks ago now and still have yet to year a word either... so I just called and spoke to a really nice lady and she said it takes about 28 days to get approved. She asked if I had recieved and of those cards which I haven't so we did them over the phone, then she said call back on Tuesday. She was very helpful though so I hope to have good news on Tuesday!!

[CHD 0]

I just did my EI application online last night. One question though: since the immigrant visa in my passport states "Upon endorsement, serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year", is this all I need to prove my ability to work, or do I need to wait for the actual I-551 card and/or SSN card? When I was admitted at the border I was told I could work right away.