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Service Canada

Record of Employment (ROE): Where to Find Yours for EI

A record of employment (ROE) is the form your employer issues when your earnings stop. Service Canada uses it to decide your EI. Most ROEs are electronic: see yours in My Service Canada Account under Records of Employment. Don't wait for it to apply for EI.

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Why it matters

The ROE is the most important document for an EI claim. It shows your hours and earnings, which decide whether you qualify, how much you get and for how long.

You need ROEs from every job

Service Canada needs ROEs for all jobs in the past year, or since your last claim started.

Electronic vs paper

Electronic ROEs go straight to Service Canada; you don't need a copy. Paper ROEs must be sent in by you.

Step by step

  1. Apply for EI right away.

    You can apply before your ROE is issued. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits.

  2. Check My Service Canada Account.

    Sign in and choose "Records of Employment" to see which ROEs your employers have filed.

  3. Missing after 5 days? Contact Service Canada.

    Employers should issue an ROE within 5 calendar days after your final pay period.

  4. Paper ROE? Send it in.

    If your employer uses paper ROEs, get copies of all ROEs from the last 52 weeks and send them to Service Canada.

Phone numbers

Employment Insurance (automated info 24/7, press 0 for an officer)

1-800-206-7218

Officers: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Automated service: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-877-486-1650

TTY: 1-800-529-3742

Related

How to Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Online Apply online as soon as you stop working: waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits. The application takes about 1 hour. You need your SIN, addresses, banking details and your employment details for the past 52 weeks. How to Sign In to My Service Canada Account (MSCA) Go to the official My Service Canada Account page, choose the sign-in option you registered with (Interac Sign-In Partner, GCKey, or B.C./Alberta provincial sign-in), then complete multi-factor authentication. First time? Register once using the Interac verification service or a Personal Access Code (PAC). After You Apply for EI: Decision, First Payment and Access Code Service Canada aims to decide on EI claims within 28 days, and your first payment usually arrives about 28 days after you apply if you're eligible. A benefit statement with your 4-digit access code comes by mail; you need it for your reports every 2 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for EI without my ROE?

Yes. Apply right away; Service Canada will use the ROE once your employer issues it.

How long does an employer have to issue an ROE?

Generally 5 calendar days after the end of the pay period in which your earnings stopped.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.