Canada facilitates access to CERB for temporary residents

Alexandra Miekus
Published: May 26, 2020

The Government of Canada is waiving the condition requiring temporary foreign residents to provide proof of a valid work permit or renewal of an expiring permit by email to receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The new measure, which took effect this week, was announced in the form of a directive sent to Employment and Social Development Canada officials who are tasked with reviewing and approving CERB applications. Government agents will no longer have to get proof of a valid work permit by email, verbal confirmation from claimants will now be sufficient, according to the National Post.

This change shows that the federal government is prepared to accommodate immigrants and provide as much support as possible to foreign workers and international students during this difficult time to encourage them to stay in Canada.

With this new measure, the application process for benefits will be simplified and accelerated so that immigrants who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances due to the COVID-10 pandemic can receive the help they need.

Find out how to stay in Canada

In recent weeks, the government of Canada has made a multitude of funding announcements to help Canadians deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Temporary residents, such as international students and temporary workers, have been included in the provisions put in place.

For instance, temporary residents may be eligible for government income support, such as Employment Insurance or the new Canadian Emergency Response Benefit.

To qualify for emergency benefits, offered by the Canadian government, temporary foreign workers and international students must meet the same criteria as Canadians.  In addition, temporary residents are required to be living in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number.

The federal government has launched the CERB to provide income support to those in Canada who have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

The CERB offers $500 per week for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers. International students who meet the CERB’s eligibility criteria may also benefit from this income support.

Maya Dura, a spokeswoman for the office of Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen, told the National Post that those who are claiming the CERB “may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify their eligibility at a future date.” ​

Find out how to stay in Canada

Need assistance with the Temporary Work Permit application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com.

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
IRCC closes the Student Direct Stream, effective immediately
A college student walking on campus steps outside.
How to move to Canada from the US
A picture of an arrivals to Canada sign at Pearson International Airport
How IRCC’s new Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes in-Canada candidates
A man views the CN tower from a distance on a cloudy summer day
IRCC releases expected work and study permit holder outflows for coming years
A plane flying past the Toronto skyline on a clear summer day.
Top Stories
Canada invites candidates in PNP Express Entry draw
Understanding Different Bank Accounts in Canada: A Guide for New Canadians
Canada ranked among top safest countries to travel to in 2025
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Visit
Canada ranked among top safest countries to travel to in 2025
A woman wearing headphones smiles while jogging
Attending the A.A. International Convention 2025? What to know about entering Canada with your past DUI
A cityscape of Vancouver.
Have a DUI? Here are your options for entering Canada
A "Canada Arrivals" sign.
Frequently asked questions about visas for students, workers and tourists coming to Canada
A picture of the Toronto Skyline at night
Link copied to clipboard