Introducing Canada’s New Recognized Employer Pilot Program
Introducing Canada’s New Recognized Employer Pilot Program for Streamlined Hiring Canada Immigration.
Update 2023 – Easier Work Permits to Canada
In a strategic move to address Canada’s ongoing labour shortage, a groundbreaking pilot program has been unveiled aimed at expediting access to labour while maintaining robust worker safeguards.
Randy Boissonnault, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, made the official announcement in Delta, British Columbia.
Canada is proud to introduce the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), a visionary initiative under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This pioneering 3-year pilot program, set to launch in September 2023, is poised to revolutionize the labour market by facilitating employers’ acquisition of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
What is the Recognized Employer Pilot Program? REP
The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) program is designed to streamline the recruitment process for employers within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program with a proven track record of adhering to program requirements.
Before pursuing a work permit application to hire a foreign worker, most employers are obligated to submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA validates the necessity of hiring a foreign worker and ensures that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position. Additionally, it confirms the authenticity of the employment offer and the employer’s adherence to program prerequisites for employee protection.
Under the REP, eligible employers must have received a minimum of three positive LMIAs within the past five years for the same occupation. These occupations, identified as in shortage and supported by Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data, will grant recognized employers extended LMIA validity periods of up to 36 months. Furthermore, if needed, simplified LMIA applications will be available for future hiring endeavours.
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Recognized Employer Pilot Program Rollout and Application Process
The REP program is set to roll out in two phases:
- Employers within the Primary Agriculture stream can submit applications for the 2024 season starting in September 2023.
- Phase two, commencing in January 2024, opens participation to all other industries. Both application streams will be open until September 2024.
Employers that meet REP eligibility criteria will receive an invitation to register through a specialized dual-purpose LMIA application. This application distinctively caters to both REP-recognized status and the standard LMIA.
Eligibility determination for REP will be based on an employer’s past involvement in the TFW Program. Those not granted recognized status can still leverage the TFW Program with continuous LMIA evaluations conducted by the Department.
REP program Application Submission Methods
Employers can submit their LMIA and REP applications through two methods:
- Utilize the reliable and secure LMIA Online Portal, facilitating easy completion and submission of applications to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- Employers with legitimate exemption evidence to the LMIA Online Portal can opt for email submission of a PDF application form to ESDC.
Benefits for Qualified Employers
Qualifying employers can anticipate several benefits under the REP program:
- A streamlined application process for future LMIA applications related to positions on the COPS list.
- Reduced contact points with ESDC due to simplified LMIA forms, enabling employers to hire more Temporary Foreign Workers for valid job offers during the REP.
- A distinguished Job Bank designation that highlights recognized status, enhancing appeal for prospective workers.
In essence, Canada’s Recognized Employer Pilot Program is a pioneering solution to foster efficient labour recruitment while upholding the highest worker protection standards. This strategic move is set to empower employers and contribute to a thriving workforce across the nation.
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