Tax Question

[CANUSA31]

I know this isn't a tax message board but someone might know the answer to my following question:

I'm an American on a Canadian work visa and was just wondering if I can claim or can I get back my CPP and EI contributions for the 2012 work year? I'm not sure if I can even claim EI if I'm not a Canadian citizen so it doesn't seem to far fetched that I should be able to get that back, but taxes are taxes so I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question.

 

[SenoritaBella]

No, you can not get back your CPP and EI contributions unless you overpaid, in which case CRA will issue a cheque for the excess amount(if you don't owe taxes). When you retire however, your pension comes from CPP. CPP and EI contributions are taken into account when you file taxes anyway.

To be eligible to claim EI benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of yours (e.g. laid off) and must be available for work. If you have an open work permit, this is relatively straight forward. However, if your work permit is tied to an employer, you may not be able to collect EI benefits.

 

[CANUSA31]

Thanks for your time and help!