As Canada launches the Recognized Employer Pilot Program Phase 2, more employers are now eligible to apply for the same. REP facilitates faster processing for Canadian employers who have shown to be compliant with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Under the REP, qualifying employers will benefit from Labor Market Impact Assessment with longer validity periods & after the initial assessment, simplified LMIA applications.
An employer might be eligible to participate in the REP if they have obtained a minimum of three positive LMIAs over the last five years & are hiring Temporary Foreign Workers for positions on the list of professions designated as being ‘in-shortage’ as per the data from COPS, i.e., Canadian Occupations Projection System.
Via the TFWP, employers can hire foreign nationals who fill an urgent need in Canada’s workforce. The LMIA that an employer submits to ESDC, i.e., Employer & Social Development Canada, confirms that no Canadians or permanent residents are able to do the job.
Specifically, the LMIA work permit applications are valid for over 18 months, but those eligible for the REP will obtain LMIAs valid for up to 36 months. In addition, employers will also have the advantage of simplified LMIA applications in the future.
ESDC asserts that 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 as well as ESDC during the pilot due to simplified LMIA forms, which enable employers to hire additional Temporary Foreign Workers for genuine employment offers during REP.
- A Job Bank designation, which shows their recognized status, improves interest from prospective workers.
Employers can expect a more thorough than average initial assessment to ensure that only reputable employers participate in the program. As Canada launches the Recognized Employer Pilot Program Phase 2, ESDC notes that employers can apply for the REP when they submit an LMIA. Those who don’t qualify for the REP will still obtain a decision on their LMIA.
More Eligible Professions In Phase 2
The first phase of the REP was rolled out in September 2023 for employers recruiting employers in the primary agriculture sector. It included just four professions:
- Livestock laborers
- Harvesting laborers
- Nursery & greenhouse laborers
- Specialized livestock & farm machinery operators
Phase 2 is a vital expansion, with more than 80 in-demand professions from a wide range of sectors now eligible for REP. ESDC notes that professions listed as eligible for work permits via the Global Talent Stream aren’t included on the list because they are already eligible for expedited processing.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canadian employers who plan to hire applicants via the TFWP should obtain an LMIA to ESDC. The department reviews the application to decide if recruiting foreign workers will positively, negatively, or neutrally impact Canada’s labor market and economy. Moreover, the ESDC decides that if the impact will be positive or neutral, the employer will likely be able to recruit foreign workers.
Employees who are recruited via this program are granted closed work permits, implying they aren’t allowed to work for any other employer in Canada. ESDC will check for employer compliance with several conditions. Some examples are compliance with territorial & provincial laws regulating employment, paying the wages agreed upon in the employment contract & providing safe/ secure working conditions free of abuse.