The Recognized Employer Pilot Program in Canada enters its second phase

Canada is renowned for its welcoming stance towards immigrants and offers various immigration programs to cater to a diverse range of needs and qualifications. Understanding the types of immigration programs available in Canada is crucial for anyone considering making Canada their new home. A greater number of Canadian employers now have the opportunity to submit applications for the Recognized Employer Pilot Program (REP)

An employer may qualify for participation in the Recognized Employer Pilot Program (REP) by securing at least three favorable Labor Market Impact Assessments within the past five years. Additionally, they must be hiring Temporary Foreign Workers for positions listed as ‘in-shortage’ based on data from COPS (Canadian Occupations Projection System).

Through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), employers can bring in foreign nationals to address immediate workforce needs in Canada. The Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) submitted by the employer to ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) verifies that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available for the job.

• A simplified LMIA application process for future positions listed on the COPS.
• Reduced interaction points between participating employers and ESDC during the pilot, facilitated by simplified LMIA forms. This allows employers to onboard more Temporary Foreign Workers with authentic employment offers within REP.
• A Job Bank recognition indicating their acknowledged status to enhance interest among potential workers.

The REP’s first phase, introduced in September 2023 for primary agriculture sector employers, included just four professions.

• Livestock labourers
• Harvesting labourers
• Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• Nursery and greenhouse labourers

Phase 2 expands REP eligibility to over 80 in-demand professions across various sectors. Note: Professions eligible for Global Talent Stream work permits are excluded, as they already benefit from expedited processing.

Canadian employers looking to hire through the TFWP must submit an LMIA to ESDC, where the department evaluates the impact on Canada’s labor market and economy. If the assessment is neutral or positive, the employer can likely proceed with recruiting foreign workers.

Employees hired through the TFWP receive closed work permits, preventing them from working for another employer in Canada. ESDC conducts checks to ensure employer compliance with conditions, including adherence to provincial and territorial employment regulations, payment consistency with the employment contract, and the provision of safe working conditions free from abuse.

From January 2024 onward, applications will be open for positions listed in Phase 2 of Service Canada’s Recognized Employer Pilot (REP). These occupations have been identified as in-demand with an inadequate domestic labor supply.