EI – Workers and residents outside of Canada – After you’ve applied

6. After you’ve applied

Now that you've submitted your Employment Insurance (EI) application, we need to receive your records of employment (ROEs) before we can process it.

• If your employers issue ROEs in paper format, you must request copies of all ROEs issued to you during the last 52 weeks. You'll need to provide us with these paper ROEs – we can't finalize your application until we receive them. You must either drop off your paper ROEs in person at any Service Canada Centre or mail them to us. The mailing address of the appropriate Service Canada Centre will be provided to you when you complete your online application
• If your employers submit ROEs electronically to Service Canada, you do not need to request copies of your ROEs from your employers

When will I know whether or not I am entitled to receive EI benefits?

• If you're entitled to receive benefits, you should receive your first payment within 28 days of the date we receive your claim
• If you're not entitled to receive benefits, we'll notify you by letter or by telephone to explain why. If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to request a reconsideration

Receiving your EI benefits

Shortly after you file your EI application, we'll mail you an EI benefit statement, which will provide you with your EI access code. Your Access Code is needed to submit your required biweekly reports and to get information about your claim. Access the instructions on when and how to complete your reports with our Internet Reporting Service or our Telephone Reporting Service.

Note: Keep in mind that receiving the EI benefit statement does not mean that your application has been approved.

If you work or earn money, you must indicate it on your report. If you don't inform us, you risk being overpaid and having to repay benefits.

For more information on how earnings impact your benefits, visit Working While on Claim.

Waiting period

Before you start receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, there is 1 week for which you won’t be paid. This is called the waiting period. It’s like the deductible that you must pay for other types of insurance.

Review the status of your application

Sign in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA) at any time, and:

• check that your banking information, address and telephone number are up-to-date
• review your claim status and messages

To sign up for direct deposit or to update your banking information, address or telephone number, you can:

• complete the eServiceCanada service request form
• contact the Service Canada call centre
• visit a Service Canada Office