The Recognized Employer Pilot Program (REP) is now open for applications to a greater number of Canadian firms.
For Canadian companies who have demonstrated compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), REP is intended to expedite the processing of applications. Longer validity periods for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and streamlined LMIA applications following the initial assessment are two benefits that qualifying firms will receive under the REP.
Employers may be qualified to take part in the REP if they have hired Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) for positions on the list of occupations identified as “in-shortage” based on data from the Canadian Occupations Projection System (COPS) and have received at least three positive LMIAs in the previous five years.
Employers can hire foreign nationals under the TFWP if they can urgently fill a need in Canada’s workforce. An employer’s LMIA, which is submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), attests to the fact that no permanent residents or Canadians are qualified for the position.
Applications for an LMIA work permit are normally good for 18 months, however, those who qualify for the REP can get LMIAs that are good for up to 36 months. Simplified LMIA applications will be advantageous to employers in the future.
ESDC says eligible employers can also expect:
- A simplified application process for future LMIA applications for positions on the COPS list;
- Fewer points of contact between participating employers and ESDC during the pilot due to simplified LMIA forms that enable employers to hire additional Temporary Foreign Workers for genuine job offers during REP; and
- A Job Bank designation that shows their recognized status to improve interest from prospective workers.
To guarantee that only respectable employers are chosen to take part in the program, firms can anticipate a more comprehensive first screening than usual. Employers who file an LMIA can apply for the REP; no further information is needed, according to ESDC. Even if they are not eligible for the REP, they will still receive an LMIA determination.
More eligible occupations in Phase 2
The first phase of the REP was rolled out in September 2023 for employers hiring employees in the primary agriculture sector. It included just four occupations:
- Livestock labourers
- Harvesting labourers
- Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- Nursery and greenhouse labourers
Phase 2 is a significant expansion with more than 80 in-demand occupations from a wide range of sectors now eligible for the REP.
According to EDSC, certain professions that are on the Global Talent Stream’s list of occupations eligible for work permits are not on the list since they are already qualified for accelerated processing.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employers in Canada who intend to hire a candidate through the TFWP are required to submit an LMIA to ESDC. After reviewing the application, the department determines whether hiring foreign workers will benefit or hurt Canada’s economy and labor market. The employer will likely be permitted to hire foreign workers if ESDC determines that the impact will be neutral or favorable.
Closed work permits are issued to employees employed through the TFWP, prohibiting them from working in Canada for another employer.
Employer compliance with several requirements will be examined by ESDC. Examples include paying the salaries specified in the employment contract, adhering to all applicable provincial and territorial laws governing employment, and offering abuse-free, safe working environments.
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