How to apply for EI: step-by-step guide, documents and deadlines

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Whether you’ve recently lost your job or need to take a leave from work, knowing how to apply for EI is essential to receiving the financial support you’re entitled to.

This guide explains everything you need to submit your EI application correctly and on time, including which documents are required, how the process works through Service Canada, and what happens if you apply late.

When to apply: timing and eligibility windows

You should apply for Employment Insurance benefits as soon as you stop working, even if you don’t yet have all the documents required. Waiting too long may result in lost payments.

📅 Service Canada recommends applying within 4 weeks after your last day of work. If you wait longer, you may lose eligibility for some or all of your benefits unless you provide a valid reason for the delay.

⚠️ Even if you’re waiting for your Record of Employment (ROE), submit your application right away — documents can be sent later.

Step-by-step online application through Service Canada

1. Go to the EI online application portal on the Government of Canada website: www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/apply-privacy.html.
2. Set aside about 60 minutes to complete your application.
3. If you need to pause, you’ll receive a temporary password. Your progress will be saved for 72 hours. After that, you’ll need to start over.
4. Submit your application and send supporting documents afterward, if needed.
5. Sign up for direct deposit to receive payments faster.

You’ll also receive a 4-digit access code by mail shortly after applying. You’ll need this to submit your required biweekly reports.

What is the Record of Employment (ROE) and how to get it

Your ROE is an official document issued by each employer you worked for in the last 52 weeks or since your last EI claim. It confirms your work history, earnings, and reason for leaving the job.

Your employer must submit the ROE to Service Canada within five calendar days after your last pay period.

👉 You can check if your ROE has been issued through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

📢 If your ROE is missing or incorrect, contact your employer or Service Canada.

Required documents before applying

To apply, you’ll need to provide the following:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• If your SIN starts with 9: work permit and proof of immigration status
• Last name at birth of one parent
• Mailing and residential address (including postal code)
• Banking information for direct deposit (institution name, transit and account numbers)
• Employment details for the last 52 weeks: employer names, addresses, dates, and reason for separation
• ROEs for each job held

You must also declare any money received after leaving your job (e.g., severance, vacation pay, or pensions).

Do application steps change depending on the type of EI benefit?

The online EI application process is the same for all types of Employment Insurance benefits. You’ll complete the application through the Service Canada website and provide your personal information, work history, and banking details.

However, the supporting documents required can change depending on the type of benefit you’re applying for. Service Canada uses these documents to confirm your eligibility and determine how long you can receive benefits.

Below are some of the key documents commonly required for different EI benefit types.

➡️ Regular EI benefits (job loss or layoff)

If you’re applying for regular EI benefits after losing your job, the most important document is your Record of Employment (ROE).

Your employer must issue an ROE after your last pay period. It confirms:

• Your employment history
• Your earnings
• The reason for leaving your job

Service Canada uses this document to determine whether the job loss qualifies for EI and how much you may receive.

📌 If your employer submits ROEs electronically, you can view them in your My Service Canada Account.

➡️ EI sickness benefits

If you’re applying for EI sickness benefits, you must show that you’re unable to work due to a medical condition.

The key document required is a medical certificate from a doctor or healthcare provider confirming:

• The medical condition preventing you from working
• The expected duration of your inability to work

Without this certificate, your sickness claim may be delayed or denied.

➡️ Maternity benefits

For EI maternity benefits, Service Canada needs proof of pregnancy and your expected delivery date.

Typically, applicants must provide:

• The expected date of birth from a medical professional
• Confirmation that you stopped working due to pregnancy

These benefits are available only to the person who is pregnant or has recently given birth.

➡️ Parental benefits

Parental benefits apply to parents caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.

You may be asked to provide:

• The child’s date of birth
• Adoption documents (if applicable)
• Confirmation of the date the child was placed in your care

These benefits can be shared between parents depending on the option selected (standard or extended).

➡️ Caregiving benefits

If you’re applying for caregiving benefits, you must show that a family member is seriously ill and requires care.

The main document required is a medical certificate signed by a healthcare professional, confirming:

• The condition of the family member
• That they require significant care or support

‼️ Important tip before applying

Even if you don’t yet have all the required documents, you should still submit your EI application as soon as possible after your last day of work.

Delaying your application while waiting for documents can result in losing weeks of benefits.

You can submit supporting documents later if Service Canada requests them.

Tracking your claim status after submitting

After submitting your EI application, you can track its progress online through your My Service Canada Account. There, you can:

• Check the status of your claim
• Review your benefit rate and weeks of entitlement
• Confirm if your ROEs were received
• Update your contact or banking information

Service Canada aims to process claims within 28 days, provided you submit all required documents and biweekly reports.

What happens if you apply late?

Applying more than 4 weeks after your last day of work can lead to a loss of benefits, unless you had a valid reason. Still, it’s better to apply late than not at all.

You must explain your delay on the application form. Service Canada will assess your case and determine whether benefits can still be granted.

What is the waiting period and when is it waived?

Most EI applicants must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period, similar to a deductible. During this time, you won’t receive any payment.

This period may be waived if:

• You’re transitioning between different types of EI benefits (e.g., from sickness to regular)
• You were part of a Work-Sharing agreement
• Temporary economic measures apply to your situation
  For more on temporary EI changes, visit the Temporary Measures for Economic Conditions page.

Working while receiving EI: how earnings reduce benefits

Yes, you can work part-time while receiving EI — but your benefits will be adjusted.

👉 Here’s how it works:

• You keep $0.50 of EI for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your average weekly insurable earnings.
• Earnings above that are deducted dollar-for-dollar.
• You must report all work income accurately in your biweekly reports.

📌 To learn more, visit the Working While on Claim page.

Knowing how to apply for EI — and doing it promptly — can make all the difference in accessing financial support during unemployment or a work interruption. Be sure to gather your documents, apply online without delay, and keep your information up to date through My Service Canada Account.