Canada To Launch Recognized Employer Pilot For TFW

To help address labor shortages, the Canadian government will launch a Recognized Employer Pilot for TFW in September. The Recognized Employer Pilot will operate under the TFWP. It aims to lessen the administrative burden for repeat employers with a history of showcasing compliance with TFWP’s requirements. Under the Recognized Employer Pilot, eligible employers will gain access to LMIAs which are valid for up to 36 months.

An LMIA is a labor market test employers must fulfill to hire foreign workers/ professionals under the TFWP. The main aim of an LMIA is to demonstrate that there are no workers in Canada available to fill the position for which the employer is hiring. The Canadian government has said that these steps will help potential employers plan as per the needs of their staff. As a result, this will help reduce LMIA applications that must be submitted over three years. 

Moreover, recognized employers will also benefit from Job Bank designation that shows their recognized status to prospective workers. In order to participate in the Recognized Employer Pilot, Canadian employers should have at least three positive LMIAs over the last five years for the same profession. Such employers will be subjected to a rigorous upfront assessment process. This assessment will be based on their history with the TFWP, ensuring that the pilot program only targets employers with the best recruitment practices.

Phases Of The Recognized Employer Program  

The program will be rolled out in two phases. Starting in September 2023, primary agriculture employers will begin applying. In addition, all the other employees can begin applying from January 2024.

Employer application for the Recognized Employer Pilot will close in September 2024. Potential employers eligible under the program can expect a simplified application process for future LMIA applications. This is for positions on the COPS, i.e., the Canadian Occupational Projection System list.

Furthermore, they can expect fewer points of contact between participating employers & ESDC during the pilot. Well, this is because of simplified LMIA forms that enable employers to hire additional temporary foreign professionals/ workers during the program’s time period.

The Canadian government notes that REP is one measure which is being launched alongside other programs. Moreover, the program is aimed at improving the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

ESDC states that it will be offering technical briefings to stakeholders to provide more information regarding the program & its application process.