A Record of Employment (ROE) is an important employment document in Canada. It records information about an employee’s work history, insurable earnings, and insurable hours. Service Canada uses this information to assess eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and calculate how much an eligible person may receive.
If you lose your job, experience a temporary layoff, or take certain types of leave, you may need an ROE to support your EI application. Understanding how the document works can help you avoid unnecessary delays and know what to do if your employer has not issued it.
This guide explains the purpose of an ROE in 2027, when employers must provide it, how to access it online, and what employees should do if information is incorrect.
1. What Is a Record of Employment in Canada?
A Record of Employment is a form completed by an employer when an employee experiences an interruption of earnings in insurable employment, or when Service Canada requests one in certain circumstances.
The document includes information such as:
- The employee’s name and Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- The employer’s name and business details.
- The first day worked and last day for which the employee was paid.
- Insurable hours and earnings.
- The reason the ROE was issued.
- Certain payments made or payable when employment ends.
Service Canada uses these details to help determine whether an individual qualifies for EI benefits, the amount they may receive, and the duration of their entitlement.
An ROE is not the same as a termination letter, reference letter, or final payslip. It is an official employment insurance record that follows specific reporting requirements.
2. When Is an ROE Required?
Employers generally need to issue an ROE when an employee experiences an interruption of earnings. Common situations include:
- Losing a job or being dismissed.
- Being laid off temporarily or permanently.
- Leaving work because of illness or injury.
- Taking maternity, parental, or other qualifying leave.
- Taking a leave without pay that meets the applicable criteria.
- Experiencing another qualifying interruption of earnings.
An interruption of earnings commonly occurs when an employee has, or is expected to have, seven consecutive calendar days without work and without insurable earnings from that employer. Special rules and exceptions can apply to certain work arrangements and situations.
An ROE may also be required in some circumstances even when the employee continues working for the same employer, such as when Service Canada requests one for an EI claim involving multiple jobs.
Receiving an ROE does not automatically mean you qualify for EI. Service Canada assesses your circumstances and the applicable eligibility requirements separately.
3. When Must an Employer Issue an ROE?
The deadline depends on whether the employer submits an electronic or paper ROE and on the employer’s pay period.
For electronic ROEs, employers with weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly pay periods generally have five calendar days after the end of the pay period in which the interruption of earnings occurs.
For monthly pay periods or pay periods occurring every four weeks, a different deadline applies. Generally, the employer must submit the electronic ROE by the earlier of five calendar days after the end of the relevant pay period or 15 calendar days after the first day of the interruption of earnings.
For paper ROEs, the employer generally must issue the document within five calendar days of the first day of the interruption of earnings or the day the employer becomes aware of it, as applicable.
Employees should remember that these are employer reporting deadlines, not a guarantee that every EI application will be processed within five days.
4. How to Check Your ROE Online in 2027
Many employers submit ROEs electronically, allowing employees to access their records online without collecting a paper form.
To check your ROE, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Government of Canada website.
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA), or register if you do not already have an account.
- Open the Employment Insurance or Records of Employment section.
- Look for the ROE submitted by your employer.
- Review the available employment dates, earnings information, and other details.
If your employer has submitted an electronic ROE, it should become available through the relevant government system after processing. If you cannot find it, check with your employer’s payroll department and ask whether it has been submitted.
You do not generally need a paper copy of an electronic ROE. However, you should keep your own employment records and payslips in case you need to clarify a discrepancy.
5. What Should You Do If Your ROE Is Missing?
A missing ROE can cause concern, especially when you need to apply for EI after losing employment. However, you should not assume that you must wait indefinitely before taking action.
Start by contacting your employer or payroll department. Ask whether the ROE has been issued and, if so, whether it was submitted electronically or on paper.
If the employer has not issued it when required, explain the situation to Service Canada and ask what steps you should take. Keep copies of your communications and relevant employment documents.
If you are applying for EI, submit your application as soon as possible after your interruption of earnings. Delaying an application while waiting for an ROE may affect your benefits. Follow Service Canada’s instructions regarding missing documents and any additional information required.
For general employment planning, you may also find this guide useful: How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada in 2027. A SIN is an important identifier for employment and government services, although it serves a different purpose from an ROE.
6. How to Correct an Incorrect ROE
Errors on an ROE can affect the assessment of an EI claim. For example, incorrect dates, earnings, insurable hours, or a reason for separation may lead to questions or delays.
If you notice a mistake, contact your former employer’s payroll department and identify the specific information that appears incorrect. Provide supporting documents when possible, such as payslips, work schedules, or employment correspondence.
The employer may need to submit an amended ROE to correct the original information. If the employer does not resolve the issue, contact Service Canada for guidance on the next steps.
Do not alter an official ROE yourself. Any correction should be handled through the appropriate employer and government procedures.
7. Does an ROE Guarantee Employment Insurance Benefits?
No. An ROE is evidence of your employment history, but it does not guarantee that your EI claim will be approved.
Service Canada considers several factors, including your insurable hours, the reason you stopped working, your regional eligibility requirements, and other applicable conditions.
For example, a worker who is laid off may be in a different position from someone who voluntarily leaves a job without just cause. However, individual circumstances matter, and the reason recorded on an ROE does not by itself determine the final decision.
If you disagree with the information recorded or have questions about your eligibility, explain your circumstances to Service Canada and provide accurate supporting information.
8. Important Tips for Employees and International Workers
If you are working in Canada, keep your employment documents organised. Save your contract, pay statements, schedules, records of hours worked, and communications about a layoff or termination.
If you are an international worker, remember that an ROE and EI eligibility are separate from your immigration status. Your right to work in Canada depends on the conditions that apply to your immigration or work permit situation.
When evaluating a new opportunity, review the contract, pay, working hours, and employment conditions before accepting. You can read this guide on evaluating a job offer beyond salary in 2027 to understand what else to consider.
If you are exploring employment opportunities, visit Apply Now to continue your job search.
Conclusion
The Canada Record of Employment is a key document used by Service Canada to assess Employment Insurance claims. It records employment history, insurable hours, earnings, and the reason for an interruption of earnings.
In 2027, employees should understand when an ROE is required, how to access an electronic copy, and what to do if it is missing or incorrect. Employers must follow the applicable deadlines and provide accurate information.
Keep your employment records, check your ROE carefully, and contact Service Canada if you need help with a missing document or an EI application. Taking these steps can help you manage a job transition with greater confidence.