Employment Insurance in Canada: Who Qualifies and How Many Hours You Need
In this guide
Who can get Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada? According to the Government of Canada, you qualify for EI regular benefits if you were in insurable employment, lost your job through no fault of your own, were without work and pay for at least 7 consecutive days in the last 52 weeks, and met the required insurable hours. You must also be ready, willing and able to work each day and be actively looking for work.
Quick answer
- You need between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment, depending on the unemployment rate in your region.
- The hours are generally counted over the 52 weeks before your claim starts, and can extend to 104 weeks in some cases.
- You must file EI reports every 2 weeks or you may lose benefits.
- Quitting without just cause or losing a job through misconduct generally makes you ineligible.
- Canada says its page is a guideline. Apply and let EI decide.
What must you show to qualify?
- You were in insurable employment.
- You lost your job through no fault of your own.
- You were without work and pay for at least 7 consecutive days in the last 52 weeks.
- You met the required insurable hours.
- You are ready, willing and able to work each day.
- You are actively searching for work and keeping a written record of the employers you contact.
How many hours do you need?
Canada says the number depends on the unemployment rate in your region, between 420 and 700 hours.
| Regional unemployment rate | Insurable hours needed |
|---|---|
| 6% or less | 700 |
| Above 13% | 420 |
| In between | A figure between 420 and 700 based on your region |
If you have a notice of violation regarding prior EI claims, the required hours are higher.
When are you not eligible?
- Voluntarily leaving a job without just cause
- Losing a job due to your own misconduct
- Being unemployed because you directly took part in a labour dispute
- Certain leave periods that compensate for work hours under an agreement with your employer
- In most cases, losing or quitting a job over a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy
- Being confined in a jail, penitentiary or similar institution
What about newcomers and work permit holders?
The page I checked does not address newcomers or work permit holders, and it points to a separate page for EI benefits for workers and residents outside Canada. If you are on a work permit, check that page and your own situation before assuming you qualify. Before you apply you will also need a SIN, and your tax filing matters too: see taxes for newcomers to Canada.
Common mistakes
- Not keeping a job-search record. Canada says you must keep a written record of employers you contact.
- Missing a biweekly report. You may lose benefits.
- Quitting first, asking later. Leaving without just cause generally makes you ineligible.
- Assuming 700 hours everywhere. The hours depend on your region.
FAQ
How do I know how many hours I need?
It depends on your region’s unemployment rate. Apply and EI will determine your requirement and eligibility.
How far back do the hours count?
Generally the 52 weeks before your claim starts, extending to 104 weeks in some cases.
Do I have to look for work while on EI?
Yes. You must be actively searching and keep a written record. Our guide to finding a job abroad may help.
Key takeaways
- EI needs insurable hours (420 to 700 by region) and a job loss that was not your fault.
- File a report every 2 weeks and keep a job-search record.
- Apply and let EI decide your eligibility.
Related guides
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- SIN number for newcomers to Canada
- Canada work permit types explained
- CRA My Account for newcomers
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check Service Canada before you apply.
Sources
- Government of Canada: EI regular benefits, eligibility