Service Canada EI Audit 2026: What to Do If You Receive the Job Search Form

Service Canada’s Integrity Office has accelerated its formal Employment Insurance (EI) claimant job search compliance reviews. If you are currently receiving EI regular or fishing benefits in Canada, you may receive an official letter requesting complete proof of your weekly job search activities.

Failure to comply with this evaluation or submit the required documentation can result in an immediate suspension of your payments and severe monetary penalties. This detailed guide outlines exactly what Service Canada considers “suitable employment,” how to properly document your daily efforts, and how to fill out the Job Search Form (INS5240) correctly.

The Service Canada Integrity Notice: What is Happening?

If you are selected for a compliance review, you will receive an official notification from the Service Canada Integrity Office. This letter requires you to prove that you have been actively seeking work for every single day you have claimed regular or fishing benefits.

To satisfy this audit, you must complete and return the official Job Search Form (INS5240), detailing a continuous block of your job hunting activities (minimum of two weeks, but often covering the entire duration of your active claim).

⚠️ CRITICAL REMINDER: If you do not provide your completed job search form within the deadline specified in your notice, your ongoing Employment Insurance benefits will be interrupted or canceled.

What Counts as a “Reasonable Job Search” According to Service Canada?

According to the Employment Insurance Act, claimants must make ongoing, daily job search efforts that reflect a genuine desire to obtain employment. Service Canada measures your efforts against the job opportunities available within your geographic community, as well as your personal circumstances.

Valid job search activities that you should document on your form include:

• Job Discovery & Prep: Assessing local employment opportunities, preparing a customized résumé, or drafting cover letters.
• Applications & Outreach: Submitting online or in-person job applications, contacting prospective employers directly, and attending formal interviews.
• Networking & Platforms: Registering with electronic job databases (like Canada’s Job Bank), working with employment agencies, and participating in networking events.
• Professional Development: Attending job search workshops, participating in local job fairs, or undergoing skill and competency evaluations.

Note for Part-Time Workers: If you work part-time while receiving EI regular benefits, you must still actively look for and document efforts to secure full-time work or additional part-time employment to maintain your benefit compliance.

Understanding “Suitable Employment” Criteria

Service Canada evaluates the jobs you apply for and those you accept (or reject) based on distinct criteria. A job is deemed “suitable employment” if it meets the following benchmarks:

1. Working Conditions: The hours, location, and nature of the work must align with your physical and personal capabilities.
2. Hours of Work: The shift structures must be reasonable based on industry standards and your personal circumstances.
3. Commute and Travel Time: The transit time and commuting distance must be typical for job seekers residing within your community.
4. Hourly Wages & Compensation: The pay rate cannot be below the established provincial minimum wage. Over the duration of your claim, your expectations should adjust realistically based on the local job market.

Special Rules for Seasonal Workers

Even if you are a seasonal worker with a guaranteed job returning in the spring or summer, you are legally required to seek and accept temporary employment during the off-season. You must actively document these job hunting activities to continue receiving your regular EI payments during your seasonal layoff.

 Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Job Search Form (INS5240)

The Job Search Form is a formal legal declaration. Follow these exact steps to ensure your submission passes the integrity check:

• Step 1: Provide Accurate Identification: Fill in your full name, current telephone number, and 9-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Step 2: Complete the Job Search Log: For each activity, log the precise Date, Type of Effort (e.g., online application, networking, interview), and Employer Details (Job title, company name, phone/email, or website address).
• Step 3: State the Outcomes: Record the result of your application (e.g., “Waiting on reply”, “Interview scheduled”, or “Declined offer with reason”).
• Step 4: Sign the Legal Declaration: Read, date, and physically or digitally sign the declaration page. By signing, you certify under the Employment Insurance Act that all information provided is true and verifiable.

Download the Official Form

Do not pay third-party sites for this documentation. You can access and download the authentic document directly from the Government of Canada:

Download Official Service Canada Job Search Form (INS5240)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do employers need to sign my Job Search Form?

No. Employers do not need to sign your INS5240 form, nor do they need to provide you with a written letter confirming your application. However, Service Canada agents may contact the employers listed on your form to verify your claims.

Should I pay for proof of my job search?

Absolutely not. You should never pay any business or individual for proof of a job application. If an agency or employer asks you to pay for application receipts or proof of an interview, refuse immediately.

What happens if I make a mistake or a false statement on Form INS5240?

The information you submit is subject to rigorous federal verification. If you intentionally make false or misleading statements regarding your job search activities, you can face severe administrative monetary penalties, benefit disqualification, and legal prosecution.

Can I skip job hunting if I have a return-to-work date?

No. Having a confirmed return date for a seasonal or temporary position does not exempt you from the daily requirement to seek work. You must continue to search for temporary employment during your layoff window.