Does EI pay for statutory holidays in 2026?

EI provides regular benefits during weeks with statutory holidays if you are in Canada and available for work. It does not provide additional 'holiday pay'.

Can I travel outside Canada while on EI in 2026?

Generally, you are ineligible for benefits while outside Canada. Exceptions include attending a funeral (7 days) or a job search (14 days) if you can return within 48 hours.

Is the EI waiting period waived in 2026?

Yes, for claims established between March 2025 and October 10, 2026, the one-week waiting period is waived.

Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.

EI & Statutory Holidays: 2026 Guide to Travel Outside Canada

What’s New in 2026?

The Government of Canada has extended key Employment Insurance (EI) measures into late 2026. Most notably, the one-week waiting period waiver remains in effect for claims established before October 10, 2026. This means if you travel immediately after losing your job, you may be missing out on immediate payments.

Statutory Holidays and Travel Outside Canada

Many claimants believe that statutory holidays are “free days” where travel is permitted without penalty. This is incorrect. Service Canada tracks availability from Monday to Friday, including holidays.

The Availability Rule: To be paid for a statutory holiday, you must be in Canada and ready to accept a job offer.
The 48-Hour Exception: In 2026, you may stay eligible while abroad for up to 14 days for a bona fide job search, provided you can return to Canada within 48 hours.
Weekend Travel: Travel occurring strictly on Saturday and Sunday typically does not affect your benefit rate.

How to Report Travel in 2026

Service Canada now utilizes advanced data-sharing with the CBSA. If you leave the country without declaring it on your bi-weekly report, your claim may be flagged for an overpayment audit.

Pro Tip: Use the “Report an Absence” feature in your MSCA (My Service Canada Account) at least 48 hours before departure to ensure your file is handled correctly.

2026 FAQ: EI & Travel

Q: Is Canada Day (July 1, 2026) a paid day on EI if I’m in the USA?
A: No. Because July 1, 2026, falls on a Wednesday, you would be considered “unavailable” for that day and potentially the entire week, depending on your travel dates.

Q: What if I am visiting a sick relative?
A: You can receive benefits for up to 7 days while outside Canada if the travel is to visit a critically ill family member or attend a funeral.

Receiving EI while outside of Canada

You may potentially receive regular EI benefits payment if you show that you are available for work in Canada while abroad.

You must also notify employment insurance program of your travel by:

Completing an Out of Canada travel form through My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
or, by declaring your absence on your bi-weekly report that covers the week(s) of your travel.

You can stay outside of Canada for 7 consecutive days for the purpose of:

attending the funeral of a member of your immediate family or a close relative
accompanying a member of your immediate family to a medical facility, provided that the treatment sought is not readily available in the family member’s area of residence in Canada
visiting a member of your immediate family who is seriously ill or injured
attending a bona fide job interview

You can be away from Canada for 14 consecutive days for the purpose of conducting a bona fide job search.

You must ensure to indicate that you have taken measures to be reached if an employment opportunity presents itself during your absence and that you are able to return to Canada within 48 hours, we will accept that you have proven your availability. If not, you will not be paid for those week outside of Canada.