Is TN qualify for Unemployment Insurance?

GCs, unless you are Masters level job, are taking 6-8 years to get EAD. Times have changed.

GCs, unless you are Masters level job, are taking 6-8 years to get EAD. Times have changed.

True.

Actually I was aware of the longer time frames for EB-3 cases. The majority of people I know in professional careers seem to get a master's at some point in their careers--although not necessarily immediately after completing their bachelor's. I guess I was assuming that in a married couple where both are professionals, at least one would probably have a master's and can go the much faster EB-2 route.

A good reason for getting a master's although of course one wouldn't get a master's solely to qualify for UI .

The JOB also has to qualify as masters level too, not a slam dunk even if you have a masters.

Like you said, talking about Masters GC in the context of qualifying for UI is a little silly.

The JOB also has to qualify as masters level too, not a slam dunk even if you have a masters.

Like you said, talking about Masters GC in the context of qualifying for UI is a little silly.

If you don't have the Master's (or the job doesn't qualify) then, yes, I'd agree.

However, if the job and qualifications of the employed spouse DO qualify for EB-2, then it doesn't necessarily take that long--months, not years--to get EAD.

If the unemployed spouse remains unemployed then they could well qualify for UI (applying from within the US) at that point. In the USA--at least in the states I'm familiar with--you don't have to apply immediately. You just don't get benefits for any weeks before you apply.

Lots of people remain unemployed for longer than it takes to get an EAD via EB-2, so I can only partially agree with you

Also, just like any American, you are eligible for UI extensions beyond the initial UI period, if that should be necessary.

I happened to notice this old statement made on this old thread that is newly bumped and active--and I'm skeptical. Is the above statement really true?

I know for sure that during the previous recession in the early 2000's, the extended benefits (then called TEUC) could NOT be claimed from Canada--after returning to Canada a former TNer, etc would get at most the basic 26 weeks of coverage.

It is possible that things are different now but I'd be highly skeptical. Basic UI benefits are paid for by the employer so it seems reasonable one could collect even from outside the USA (although AFAIK only Canadians have this privilege).

Extended benefits are paid for by the US federal government, though, so it seems highly unlikely that a Canadian citizen who returns to Canada would be eligible. Unless, of course, there is some procedure where Uncle Sam bills the Canadian government for such benefits--but that seems pretty complex and I've never heard of such a thing.

Agnelson/ CalGC,

Even if a person would be on TD status, how would that make him uneligible or not available for work in Canada? Don't we all apply for jobs online nowadays? A person on TD status could fly back and interview for a position in Canada, couldn't he? My point is even if a person is on a TD status or is present physically in Canada, he or she is still available for work in Canada if an opportunity arises. He or she can document the number of applications no matter where the person is and the main reason to be on TD status is to be with the family.

The person must be living in a jurisdiction that he can work in. This is analoguous to a Cdn on EI flying off to Mexcio. During the period he is in Mexico he is ineligible for EI, even f at the touch of a button he can submit applications or fly back for interviews.

You need to live in canada -- physically and permanently -- to collect UI from US unless you are GC or EAD holder or USC.

I know what you are trying to get at: the right to quit your job to move with family and get EI/UI. But that only applies if you move with spouse to a plce that you are still eleigible to work. A Quebecer quitting her job to go with husband to BC would be entitled to EI, but not to move with her huisband to AZ, unless she has GC, EAD, or is a USC.

Even if a person would be on TD status, how would that make him uneligible or not available for work in Canada? Don't we all apply for jobs online nowadays? A person on TD status could fly back and interview for a position in Canada, couldn't he? My point is even if a person is on a TD status or is present physically in Canada, he or she is still available for work in Canada if an opportunity arises. He or she can document the number of applications no matter where the person is and the main reason to be on TD status is to be with the family.

I get the sense that the North American (un)employment insurance system was perhaps designed for a different era and a different kind of job search. Yes almost everyone applies online today and you can apply just as easily online for a job in Canada from the USA. However I think the thinking in UI/EI is that you need to have been available for work each and every day that you certify for benefits. Being available for work means that, in theory, someone could call you at (eg) 6am, say they had work for you that very day, and in such a scenario you'd turn up to work by 9am (or whatever time is typical in your field) ready to put in a full day. Being available for a phone interview--but in a situation where it might take a day or two to make plans to physically show up--does not count as being "available for work".

Yes of course it is true that in many professional fields there is a definite ritual to interviewing and someone might indeed be available for that ritual from the USA--with the understanding that they'll physically relocate to Canada if/when the time comes.

Even today, though, many employers will insist on "local candidates only"--so you aren't necessarily as "available" if you are interviewing remotely. Sometimes employers will be flexible if you are willing to cover your own travel expenses in interviewing and relocating. But often if employers see you aren't local they won't even take the time to have that conversation and find out--so there is some logic to declaring that someone on TD isn't really "available" for work.

Plus the prospective Canadian employer of a TD might (probably correctly) assume that, even if they come to Canada for a little while, they'll jump ship as soon as a new US TN position opens up that allows them to live with the spouse again. Employers are often (understandably) reluctant to hire if they doubt an employee's commitment.

Putting it all together, yes, the TD probably isn't as "available" for a Canadian job as a true local Canadian candidate.

Thanks for the information. If such a situation arises, then the best option would be for the spouse and the UI/EI beneficiary to drive or fly to each other alternately on weekends. Also, this way the person collecting UI/EI doesn't need to go on TD status.

Thanks for the information. If such a situation arises, then the best option would be for the spouse and the UI/EI beneficiary to drive or fly to each other alternately on weekends. Also, this way the person collecting UI/EI doesn't need to go on TD status.

It's a bit hard to see how this would be an economic gain. Surely the cost of a plane ticket every weekend would be more than what you'd be getting from UI?

You can certainly look for work while on TD status.