Canada Makes it Easier for Temporary Foreign Workers and Students to Access CERB

Published on: May 28th, 2020

The federal government has announced that international students and temporary foreign workers no longer need to show proof of a valid work permit in order to access the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

free assessment

Foreign residents in Canada will no longer need to show an image of their work permit when applying to CERB. Effective immediately, agents are only required to get verbal confirmation from the applicant regarding work permit details.

This policy applies to everyone who meets the program’s other requirements and has a “900-series” social insurance number. This includes students, temporary foreign workers, and refugee claimants.

The goal is to simplify and speed up the application process for benefits, removing obstacles so that immigrants who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic can receive the help they need.

This is the latest in a series of measures that demonstrates Canada’s continued support for temporary foreign workers and international students at this time. 

The government has also made it easier for international students to apply for or renew their study permits and has allowed some temporary foreign workers to begin working full-time while their work permit is still being processed

The CERB offers $500 per week for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers. International students who meet the CERB’s eligibility criteria may also benefit from this income support.

39,319 international students had applied for CERB by May 18, and 30,645 have received payments so far.

If you’re interested in making Canada your forever home, start the process with us today. Fill out our free online assessment and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your options.

get started

Recent articles

Express Entry Draw | Healthcare and Social Service

Express Entry Draw #398 | 4,000 Healthcare and Social Service Professionals Invited

The first Express Entry draw for healthcare and social service professionals just took place in 2026, inviting an impressive 4,000 candidates to apply. To receive […]

Express Entry Draw | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

Express Entry Draw #397 | First-Ever Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Draw

Canada has made immigration history with Express Entry Draw #397, issuing 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the first time ever exclusively to physicians with […]

Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Express Entry Draw #395 | 279 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw

In Express Entry Draw #395, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited 279 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry Draw

Express Entry Draw #396 | 6,000 CEC Candidates Invited!

The third Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2026 invited 6,000 candidates once again, continuing the strong momentum for the CEC program this year.

Express Entry Draw | Francophone Immigration

Express Entry Draw #394 | 8,500 Francophone Candidates Invited

Express Entry Draw #394 marks a milestone with Canada issuing a record-breaking 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to French-speaking candidates for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Express Entry Draw #393 | 423 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw

In Express Entry Draw #393, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 423 invitations to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum Comprehensive […]

Free assessment

Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!