You have up to five years from the end of an eligible leave of absence or break in service to buy back credit for the absence. If you miss the deadline, you forfeit the opportunity to buy back.

An exception applies to this deadline if your employer arranges for you to work outside of Canada during your absence. In that type of situation, you must buy back the credit before your absence ends. Different deadlines also apply if you buy back other eligible periods, such as credit for other employment.