Immigration Corner | Can a new permanent resident get unemployment benefits in Canada?

Dear Miss Powell,

I landed in Canada as a permanent resident three months ago. I am an engineer by profession but have not been able to find work. Can I get unemployment benefits from the Canadian government to cover my basic expenses until I secure a suitable job?

– MN

Dear MN,

I’m sorry that you haven’t found a job since landing in Canada. Employment Insurance (EI) benefits are not automatically available to newcomers, unless you have previously worked in Canada and contributed to the EI system through deductions from your pay. Let me explain how this works and provide you with some additional information.

UNDERSTANDING EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI)

Employment Insurance is a benefit designed to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who lose their job through no fault of their own, such as layoffs. To qualify, you must have worked in insurable employment in Canada and paid into the EI system. You also need to have accumulated enough hours of insurable work in the past year, before you apply.

Since you have only been in Canada for three months and have not yet worked here, you would not have contributed to EI. Therefore, you are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits at this time.

SETTLEMENT FUNDS

When you applied through Express Entry, you were asked to show that you had enough settlement funds to cover your basic living expenses while you settle in Canada. These funds were meant to support you and your family until you found a job and became financially established. The government expects that new permanent residents will rely on these savings during the initial settlement period.

HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR NEWCOMERS

Although you cannot receive EI without Canadian work history, there are other forms of assistance for permanent residents. The federal and provincial governments fund a wide range of settlement services. These include free language classes, job search workshops, résumé preparation, interview practice, and mentorship programmes that connect you with Canadian employers. Many of these services are delivered through community organisations and immigrant settlement agencies in your province.

You may also be able to access provincial income assistance or social welfare programmes if you are facing severe financial hardship. Each province and territory has its own eligibility rules. For example, Ontario Works in Ontario, Alberta Supports in Alberta, and similar programmes across Canada provide basic financial help for food, housing, and other necessities.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS FOR ENGINEERS

You did not indicate whether you have procured a licence to practice. As an engineer, you may face the challenge of having your foreign credentials recognised. Most engineering jobs in Canada are regulated by provincial engineering associations. You will likely need to apply for licensing or certification through the relevant professional body, such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

While going through the licensing process, you can explore bridging programmes offered by universities and colleges. These classes are designed to help internationally trained professionals gain Canadian experience and meet licensing requirements. Some provinces also have internships and work-experience programmes for internationally educated engineers.

NEXT STEPS

Be sure to register with immigrant settlement agencies, attend career fairs, and use government job banks such as Job Bank Canada to find opportunities. You should meet with a settlement advisor or a lawyer to find out the best pathway for you. You may also want to look for survival jobs outside your profession or volunteer with an engineering company while you pursue licensing or continue with your job search. This can help you gain Canadian work experience, connect with people in your profession. If you do a basic job you can at least start contributing to EI, and most importantly, support yourself financially. Use these resources while you work towards securing employment in your professional field.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. You may contact her via Facebook, telephone or WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via www.deidrepowell.com