Accessing important employment documents like the Record of Employment (ROE) has become much easier thanks to digital services. For many Canadians, the ROE is a critical piece of paperwork when applying for Employment Insurance (EI) or verifying work history. Whether you’ve been laid off, are on leave, or simply need to confirm past employment, learning how to view your ROE online is essential. Fortunately, the Government of Canada offers a convenient platform that allows individuals to securely access their ROEs at any time from any device connected to the internet.
Understanding the Record of Employment (ROE)
What Is an ROE?
The Record of Employment (ROE) is an official document that employers in Canada must issue when an employee experiences an interruption in earnings. It provides information such as the dates of employment, total hours worked, and the reason for the interruption. The ROE is used primarily by Service Canada to determine if an individual qualifies for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
When Is an ROE Issued?
Employers must issue an ROE in the following situations:
- When an employee stops working due to layoff, resignation, dismissal, or leave
- When there is a change in an employee’s earnings that could affect EI eligibility
- At the end of a term or contract position
Employers can submit ROEs either in paper form or electronically. In most cases, electronic ROEs are sent directly to Service Canada, where they can be accessed online by the employee.
Why It’s Important to View Your ROE Online
Immediate Access
By viewing your ROE online, you can avoid delays caused by lost mail or miscommunication with your employer. The online version is available soon after your employer submits it, making it easier to begin your EI application or check the information submitted on your behalf.
Accuracy and Verification
It’s important to verify the details on your ROE. Incorrect data regarding hours worked or the reason for job separation can impact your eligibility for benefits. Viewing your ROE online allows you to confirm the accuracy of this data and address any discrepancies promptly.
How to View Your ROE Online
Registering with My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
To view your ROE online, you must have a My Service Canada Account (MSCA). This secure portal gives you access to a variety of government services, including EI, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Old Age Security (OAS).
Steps to Create an MSCA:
- Visit the official Service Canada website
- Click on My Service Canada Account and select the registration option
- Choose between using a banking partner (Sign-In Partner) or GCKey for login
- Provide the necessary personal information such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and postal code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your account setup
Viewing ROEs Once Logged In
Once you have access to your MSCA, follow these steps to view your ROEs:
- Log in to your My Service Canada Account
- Navigate to the Employment Insurance section
- Select View my ROE or Record of Employment on the Web (ROE Web)
- You will see a list of ROEs submitted by your employers
- Click on each ROE to view detailed information
What to Look for in Your ROE
Key Information on the ROE
Each Record of Employment contains specific fields that are crucial for EI processing. When viewing your ROE online, check the following details:
- Employer’s name and contact information
- Your job title and period of employment
- Total insurable hours and earnings
- Reason for issuing the ROE (e.g., layoff, dismissal, illness)
- Serial number of the ROE
Correcting Errors
If you notice any inaccuracies in your ROE, contact your employer immediately. They may need to submit an amended ROE to Service Canada. It’s vital to resolve discrepancies as they can delay your benefits or cause unnecessary investigations by the authorities.
Tips for Managing Your Online ROEs
Keep Your Information Secure
Your MSCA contains sensitive personal and employment data. Use a strong password and never share your login credentials. Always log out after accessing your account, especially on shared computers.
Check Regularly
If you expect a new ROE due to a job loss or leave of absence, check your MSCA regularly. This ensures you don’t miss any updates and can act quickly if there’s a delay or mistake.
Use for EI Applications
When applying for Employment Insurance benefits, Service Canada automatically retrieves your online ROE if it was submitted electronically. There’s no need to submit a paper copy unless specifically requested.
Common Questions About Viewing ROEs Online
What if My ROE Is Missing?
If your employer says they submitted the ROE but you don’t see it in your MSCA, it could mean:
- The ROE hasn’t been processed yet
- The employer submitted a paper ROE
- Your SIN was entered incorrectly
In such cases, follow up with your employer or contact Service Canada for assistance.
Can I Download My ROE?
You can view and print your ROE directly from your MSCA for personal records, but you cannot download it as a PDF file. Still, a printed version is sufficient for most personal and administrative uses.
How Long Are ROEs Available Online?
ROEs remain accessible through your MSCA for several years. You can reference past employment history whenever needed for tax purposes, job applications, or legal matters.
The Advantages of ROE Web Over Paper
Electronic ROEs submitted through ROE Web are faster, more secure, and reduce the possibility of loss or delay. The system minimizes paperwork and ensures direct integration with the EI processing systems used by Service Canada. As digital services become more widespread, ROE Web is becoming the preferred method for both employers and employees.
Being able to view your ROE online through My Service Canada Account is a vital convenience for Canadian workers. It streamlines access to important employment information and accelerates the process of applying for Employment Insurance. Understanding how to navigate the MSCA and verify your Record of Employment can help prevent delays in benefits and ensure the accuracy of your employment history. With increasing digital adoption, online access to ROEs is not just a convenience it’s becoming an essential part of managing your professional and financial records in Canada.