Additional measures to speed up the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for foreign students and temporary foreign workers have been introduced by the Government.
The Government of Canada waives the requirement of temporary foreign workers to submit proof of a valid work permit or renewal of an expiring permit to access the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) through email.
The CERB was launched by the federal government to provide income support to those who have been negatively affected by COVID-19 in Canada. The CERB is offering eligible workers $500 per week for up to 16 weeks. Also, foreign students who meet the eligibility requirements of the CERB can benefit from this revenue support.
The new measure, which came into force this week was revealed as a directive sent to Employment and Social Development Canada officials to review and authorize CERB applications. According to the National Post, government agents will no longer have to get proof of a valid work permit through email, verbal confirmation from claimants will now be enough.
This move demonstrates that during this tough period, the federal government is prepared to welcome refugees and offer as much assistance as possible to foreign workers and international students to allow them to remain in Canada.
Canada's government has made a number of funding announcements in recent weeks to help Canadians deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The provisions put in place included temporary residents, such as international students and temporary workers. Temporary immigrants may be entitled to obtain government income assistance, such as job insurance or the latest Canadian emergency response benefit.
To qualify for emergency services, provided by the Canadian government, temporary foreign workers and International students must meet the same conditions as Canadians. Therefore, temporary residents must be residing in Canada and have a valid social security number.
How to apply?