Yes: the person you care for does not have to be in Canada
If you work in Canada and a parent or other family member abroad becomes seriously ill, you may be able to claim federal EI caregiving benefits while you go to care for them. The official eligibility page states that the family member can be outside Canada. [2]
Three benefits
| Benefit | When it applies | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Family caregiver benefit: compassionate care | Family member at significant risk of death, as certified by a doctor | 26 weeks |
| Family caregiver benefit for adults | Seriously ill person aged 18 or over | 15 weeks |
| Family caregiver benefit for children | Seriously ill person under 18 | 35 weeks |
Compassionate care benefits must be used within 52 weeks of the date on the medical certificate. [1]
Amount and waiting period
Benefits are 55% of earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026. Eligible family members can claim together or take turns; the total number of weeks stays the same. There is a one-week waiting period. [1][3]
Eligibility and documents
- 600 insured hours in the past 52 weeks, and earnings reduced by more than 40%. [2]
- A certificate from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. [2]
- A declaration form, INS5223, signed by the person being cared for (or their representative). [2]
How a certificate from a doctor abroad should be submitted, and whether it needs translating, should be confirmed with Service Canada before applying. Receiving EI while you yourself are outside Canada is subject to separate rules, so check before you leave.
Job protection in BC
BC employment standards provide compassionate care leave of up to 27 weeks and critical illness leave of up to 16 weeks for an adult family member. Both are unpaid by the employer, but an employer cannot dismiss an employee for taking them. [4]
Why the numbers differ
EI weeks and BC leave weeks are not the same (for example 26 weeks versus 27 for compassionate care) because one is an income benefit and the other is job protection. Each has to be arranged separately. [1][4]