New Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) simplifies hiring of foreign nationals

In an era of digital transformation, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is committed to modernizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). One of the significant developments in this effort is the introduction of the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) online portal, simplifying the application process. In addition, ESDC has initiated the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), a 3-year pilot project aimed at further streamlining LMIA processing. In this blog post, we will explore REP and its benefits for eligible employers.

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What benefits do employers have with the REP?

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In Canada, employers must have an LMIA (a document that an employer in Canada needs before hiring a foreign worker and that proves that there is no labor force in the region to perform the work) in order to apply for a permit that allows them to employ a foreign worker, however, with the REP, eligible employers participating in the program will have the following advantages:

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1. A simplified application process: this means that employers will find a more straightforward and convenient way to navigate the entire LMIA application process through the REP, which will reduce administrative burdens and save time.
2. Fewer points of contact: During the pilot period, employers will handle fewer points of contact with ESDC. This streamlined communication process improves system efficiency and reduces the typical back-and-forth associated with LMIA requests.
3. Job Bank Designation: Employers who participate in the REP will receive a coveted designation in the Job Bank. Job Bankwhich shows their "recognized" status. This status can enhance an employer's reputation and attract qualified foreign workers looking for reliable employment opportunities in Canada.
4. Extended validity periods of up to 36 months for LMIA decisions: this extended validity offers greater flexibility and stability in the hiring of foreign workers. 

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How will the REP be implemented?

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The REP will be implemented gradually in two phases, each targeting specific occupations and industries:

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• Phase 1 begins in September 2023 and focuses on occupations in the primary agricultural sector. The REP Phase 1 occupations list comprises occupations that ESDC has predefined as in demand with labor shortages. These include:

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• NOC 85100 Livestock workers.
• NOC 85101 Harvest workers.
• NOC 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators.
• NOC 85103 Nursery and greenhouse workers.

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• Phase 2 begins in January 2024 and focuses on all other industrial sectors.

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What are the eligibility criteria for the REP?

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Employers may qualify to be invited to apply if they comply with the following:

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1. Have a positive LMIA history: this implies that the employer must have received at least three positive LMIA decisions in the last five years for the same positions listed in the REP occupations.
2. They have a record of compliance: this record is associated with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, following its regulations and requirements.
3. They meet the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

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How to apply for the REP?

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Employers may apply for the REP in conjunction with the LMIA. To do so, ESDC will assess eligibility based on the employer's history with the TFWP and the frequency with which it uses the program to fill in-demand occupations. Even if an employer is not approved for REP, it may still receive a positive LMIA decision.

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

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1. Through the LMIA Online Portal on this site, the employer can complete the ESDC application and submit it securely.
2. If the employer has valid proof of exemption in the LMIA Online Portal, a PDF request form can be emailed to ESDC.

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At Immiland Canada, we are pleased to learn that the streamlined processing of LMIA applications will reduce administrative complexities for recognized employers, proving once again that Canada is open and flexible to those who wish to contribute to the country's economic growth through foreign labour. Without a doubt, the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) represents a significant step in the modernization of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Canada. In this official government link, you can find more information.

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If you are an employer in Canada and would like to learn more about the foreign recruitment and hiring process, you can request a free assessment or schedule an appointment with Immiland. We also invite you to learn more about our recruitment service and our job board.

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With love, 

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Immiland

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