The Canuck EI Thread

[Flames9_RN 358]

I didn't file for EI until like a month after I entered the USA, as I had no clue I could recieve it, (thanks Cassie) I dont believe I lost any benefits, got it for the maximum time. Of course I initially got denied,but redressed and won!! Cheerio

[thermophile 0]

ok the hubby should be getting his first 2 weeks of EI sometime soon. He's been working the past 2 weeks and will work this week but then won't work till early Jan-not his choice, the company is putting the project he's working on hiatus. will he be eligible for EI for those few weeks? this will probably continue for a few more months-working a few weeks then not working for a few weeks. he's been hired as full-time as needed, he expects to be offered a real full time management position in the spring, but what to do in the meantime?

[LadyJane 1]

I had *no* idea what EI was. {sigh} I should have read this sooner but I thought it was only for K visa folks. I have a couple of questions:

1. Are full-time students eligible? The Service Canada webpage doesn't say that they aren't but my hubby thinks that he's eligible.

2. Can CR1 visa applicants apply for this also??

Thanks!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yes cr-1 can apply, actually much easier for a cr-1 as ur eligible to work right from the start. I was a cr-1. Not sure about the student thing. One has to be able to work, if u cant work, no EI, at least from my understanding, but students can stil work!! I think your allowed to "study" to a certain limit before they deduct $$$, unsure what the hours or credits would be. You can contact them via the phone and they can answer any questions. They were extremely friendly when I called. As wel lexpalin you had no clue that u could receive EI benefits in the USA, and the reason ur in the USA is to be with ur spouse. Of course you have to have had enough insurable hours in Canada to collect EI, if not, no EI.

[L_n_O 3]

I just got my access codes and everything.. and so I went online and it said this:

We are not able to establish a claim for you because you did not work the required number of hours to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. For more information refer to the notice that was sent to you. Information, about qualifying for benefits is available from the EI site.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Did you have enough hours?? If so you can redress it. My claim was initailly denied for another reason, but redressed it and won.

[Texanadian 10]

Friend of mine worked for a couple years and then collected EI while going to school full time. This was all in Canada.

Good news: I got my first EI cards in the mail yesterday along with my access code.

So so news: The My EI online account doesn't have any record of me when I try to log in.

EDIT: I can log on and check it now. I was putting BC (my old province). Needed to enter ON for Ontario and it worked....No mention on the next page about my claim. Still says undecided at the moment. We shall see.

Bad news: Got an RFE for my I-485. They want me to send in the I-864. Hmmm, I seem to recall sending it in. And I triple checked everything before sending it off. Oh well. Better my green card than my work or travel permission.

Edited December 15, 2007 by Texanadian

[Flames9_RN 358]

As i think about it more, I do recall the Ei lady stating I could could to school for only soo many hours each week, before they would deduct $$$, not sure what the magic # was, and that was back in 2005, so things may have changed

[Earmuffs 1]

ive gotten like 6 payments and mine still doesnt show anything online

[Emancipation 2]

ive gotten like 6 payments and mine still doesnt show anything online

That surprises me.. hmm it always accurately documented my payments and I used it to predict when they would hit my CDN account.. You might want to ask them about that next time you chat with them on the phone.

Texanadian - Remember they can send you cards before they reach a "verdict" on your claim. I had filled out a bunch of cards and that status still remained undecided. Keep on those people at the office to make a decision on your claim. Keep calling them (I called every week) squeeky wheel and all that jazz..

Edited December 16, 2007 by Emancipation

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I just got my first cards Friday - a load of them actually all of Nov, plus the 1st week of Dec too i think.

So.......just to confirm - last time I collected pogy (sp?) was 1990 when I got fired from a wonderful waitressing job

• Do I need to fill out the cards at all if I can do so online?
  • I obviously report the outstanding vacation pay which I was paid along with my last pay, correct? I was paid the week after I quit because it was the normal pay period
  • I gave them my banking info already when I filed online.....do I need to send anything further? Their stupid Benefit statement doesn't really help...it has a caned message on the bottom about//We will stop sending you benefits statements if...you are enrolled in Direct Deposit, blah blah blah
  Thanks

Edited December 17, 2007 by Udella&Wiz

[Flames9_RN 358]

I dont believe u can file the cards online from the USA, at least u could not back in 2005, had to mail them in

[MandE 0]

How do you fill out question 4 on the back of the report cards?

Were you ready, willing and capable of working each day? If "no" give date(s) and reason(s) below. Complete E on side 2 if applicable.

I'm ready willing and capable, but not allowed

Does anyone have a response for this question above?

I also just recieved my first set of report cards, and I'm not sure how to answer this question.

[MandE 0]

Hello,

I just recieved my first set of report cards. There are two of them, for different date periods.

I also recieved 5 little sheets, exactly the same, that have questions like "Dates worked during the week" "Gross amount earned". The sheets are all for the same time period. Do I send back all 5, even though they are the same, or does EI make a habit of just sending extra's in case I need them?

Thanks!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I said 'YES'....a further note indicates to refer to 'E' and if you look at that on the front it is for Group Sickness/ maternity.

I feel somewhat uncomfortable saying I was able to work myself...because frankly, I'm a K1 and I can't yet....