Canada To Launch Recognized Employer Pilot For Temporary Foreign Workers

Surya Rathee
[Published 09 Aug, 2023 | 05:10 AM]
About Author - 3 min read
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The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), expected to roll out in September, will help reduce the administrative burden and simplify the hiring process for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program employers - who demonstrate a history of complying with the program requirements.

Most employers need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before they can submit a Work Permit application to hire a temporary foreign worker. An LMIA confirms that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker and that no Canadians or PR holders are available to do the job. It also ensures that the job offer issued by the employer is legitimate - and that the employer has complied with the program requirements to protect workers.

Under the REP, eligible employers will gain access to LMIAs that are valid for up to 36 months, while also benefiting from a simplified LMIA application.

Check eligibility to apply for a Work Permit

Recognized Employer Pilot Launch Dates

The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) will be rolled out in two stages:

• Stage one begins in September 2023, when employers in the Primary Agriculture stream will be able to apply in time for the 2024 season.
• Stage two begins in January 2024 and opens intake to all other industry sectors.

Applications for both streams will be accepted until September 2024.

To participate in REP, employers must have a minimum of three positive LMIAs for the same occupation over the past five years from a list of occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported using Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data.

Employers that meet the REP eligibility criteria will be invited to apply using a dual-purpose LMIA application - which differs from a regular LMIA. Eligible employers can request that the application be used to apply for recognized status under REP and for the LMIA at the same time.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) determines eligibility for REP based on the employer’s history with the TFW Program. If the employer does not receive the recognized status - they will still remain eligible to use the TFW Program and the Department would continue to assess their LMIA.

Alongside the employer’s history with the TFW Program, the REP application assessment will be based on how often the employer uses the program to fill professions mentioned on the COPS and Canada In-Demand Occupation List. 

How to apply for an LMIA and REP?

There are two ways to apply for an LMIA and REP:

OPTION 1: Through the LMIA Online Portal, a reliable and secure platform where employers can complete and submit an online application to ESDC.

OPTION 2: If the employer has valid proof of valid exemption to the LMIA Online Portal, they can email a PDF application form to ESDC.

There are numerous benefits to applying under this newly-launched Pilot. Eligible employers can 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.
• A Job Bank designation that shows their recognized status to improve interest from prospective workers.

The Canadian government stated that the REP is one of the many measures expected to launch in the coming months - aimed at improving the TFW Program.

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Source: canada.ca