Canadian workers facing layoffs, reduced hours or economic uncertainty may have access to temporary Employment Insurance (EI) benefits under four special measures introduced in response to major economic disruptions, including the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Some of these temporary EI measures in Canada are scheduled to remain available only until October 10, 2026, while special Work-Sharing measures continue until March 31, 2028.

Here is what Canadian workers and employers should know.

1. EI Waiting Period Has Been Waived

Normally, people applying for EI regular benefits in Canada must serve a one-week waiting period before receiving benefits.

Under the temporary measure, the waiting period is waived for eligible claims beginning between March 30, 2025 and October 10, 2026.

This means eligible workers may receive payable EI benefits sooner after losing their employment. There is an exception where a claimant may choose to serve the waiting period because of an employer Supplemental Unemployment Benefit arrangement.

2. Severance Pay May Not Delay EI

Another important change involves severance pay and EI benefits.

Normally, certain payments received when employment ends can be allocated against EI benefits and potentially delay when those benefits become payable.

Under the temporary measure, qualifying separation payments—including severance pay, vacation pay, pay in lieu of notice, closure bonuses and sick-leave credits—are not deducted from EI benefits when the applicable claim or allocation falls within the temporary period ending October 10, 2026.

Workers receiving a severance package should therefore not automatically assume that they cannot apply for EI.

3. Some Long-Tenured Workers Can Receive 20 Extra Weeks

A third measure provides additional support to certain long-tenured workers in Canada.

Eligible claimants may receive up to 20 additional weeks of EI regular benefits, increasing the maximum entitlement to as much as 65 weeks.

Generally, the worker must have a qualifying claim beginning between June 15, 2025 and October 10, 2026, have received at least one week of regular EI benefits and meet the long-tenured worker requirements.

These requirements include having received fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing EI benefits during the previous three years and having paid at least 30% of the annual maximum EI premiums in at least seven of the previous 10 years.

The additional weeks are added automatically when Service Canada determines that a claimant qualifies.

4. Expanded Work-Sharing Support

The fourth measure is different because Work-Sharing is designed to help employers avoid layoffs.

Instead of terminating employees when business activity temporarily falls, an employer can reduce employees’ working hours. Eligible workers can then receive EI support for part of the income they lose while remaining employed.

Under the tariff-related special measures, eligible businesses can benefit from expanded Work-Sharing rules. Businesses generally need to have operated in Canada for at least one year and have at least two EI-eligible employees who agree to reduced hours.

The temporary tariff measures allow Work-Sharing agreements to have a maximum total duration of up to 152 weeks, while the minimum agreement period has been reduced to four weeks. Certain cooling-off requirements have also been waived.

These special Work-Sharing measures are currently scheduled to continue until March 31, 2028.

What Should Canadian Workers Do?

If you lose your job, your hours are significantly reduced or your employer is considering layoffs, consider these steps:

• Apply for EI benefits in Canada as soon as you stop working.
• Do not automatically assume that receiving severance prevents you from applying.
• Ask your employer whether an approved Work-Sharing agreement is available.
• Check whether you meet the requirements for the additional 20 EI weeks.
• Keep your EI reports and required information up to date.
• Remember that eligibility is determined based on your individual circumstances.

The Government of Canada recommends applying as soon as you stop working so that your eligibility can be assessed.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Employment Insurance can provide temporary financial support, but it does not provide permanent immigration status.

If you are working in Canada and concerned about your long-term future, it may be important to understand whether you qualify for a Permanent Residency pathway in Canada.

ICC Immigration can assess your circumstances and help you explore available immigration options, including:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other applicable PR pathways.
• Work Permits and Study Permits: Guidance on temporary immigration options that may support your longer-term Canadian immigration plans.
• Family Sponsorship: Assistance with eligible Canada family sponsorship applications.
• Immigration Legal Guidance: Professional assistance in understanding changing Canadian immigration requirements and preparing applications according to current rules.

Rather than relying on uncertain options, understanding your legitimate Canada immigration pathways can help you make informed decisions about your future.

Whether you are already living and working in Canada or planning to immigrate, ICC Immigration can help you understand your options and navigate the application process.

Final Thoughts

The temporary Canada EI rules for workers affected by tariffs can provide additional income support during a period of job loss, reduced hours or economic uncertainty. However, each measure has specific eligibility requirements and expiry dates.

The three temporary EI measures covering the waiting period, separation payments and additional weeks for long-tenured workers are currently scheduled to end on October 10, 2026. The tariff-related Work-Sharing measures are scheduled to continue until March 31, 2028.

Workers should verify their individual eligibility with Service Canada and, where appropriate, consider their longer-term employment and Canadian immigration options.