On August 8, 2023, the Canadian Government announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to make it easier for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) employers to hire foreign workers.
Employers with at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the same occupation over the past five years can participate in REP.
It will be rolled out in two stages:
- with the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and
- the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.
Employers can apply for REP and LMIA at the same time through the LMIA Online Portal.
What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot program?
A program called the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) makes it simpler for businesses that frequently employ foreign workers to do so. These are workers who travel to Canada temporarily to find employment. These firms benefit from the REP program since it reduces paperwork and streamlines the hiring process.
Businesses typically need to show that they truly need foreign workers and that there aren’t enough Canadian workers available before they may hire them. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) helps employers to do so.
Businesses that have demonstrated their need for foreign labor at least three times in the last five years are eligible for the REP program. There aren’t enough local workers since there aren’t enough of these jobs in Canada.
How to apply for an LMIA and Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)?
Employers who are anticipated to meet Recognized Employer Pilot REP eligibility requirements will be proactively urged to submit an application using a dual-purpose LMIA, which is different from the standard LMIA. Employers can request that the application be used to mutually submit applications for the LMIA and recognized status under REP.
Using the employer’s prior experience with the TFW Program, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will decide if the applicant qualifies for the REP. In case an employer is not granted recognized status, they would still be able to participate in the TFW Program, and the Department would still assess their LMIA.
There are two ways to submit Recognized Employer Pilot REP or an LMIA application:
- Employers can submit online applications to ESDC using the LMIA Online Portal, an established and secure platform, or, if they have a valid exemption to the LMIA Online Portal, they can email a PDF application form to ESDC.
- An employer’s past compliance with the TFW Program and how frequently they use the Program to fill in-demand positions will be taken into account when evaluating a REP application.
Applications will be accepted until September 2024 for both streams.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may require to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA.
The worker can submit a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA.
Applicants for work permits must meet the following requirements:
- a job offer letter,
- a contract,
- a copy of the LMIA, and
- the LMIA number
If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA and hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates
What are the Update processing times for LMIA applications for 2023
Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, In-home caregivers, and Low-wage Stream.
- Global Talent Stream – 13 business days (-7 days)
- Agricultural stream – 11 business days (-3 days)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days (-1 day)
- Permanent residence Stream – 54 business days (+8 days)
- In-home caregivers – 23 business days (+2 days)
- High-wage Stream – 40 business days (-1 day)
- Low-wage Stream – 50 business days (+1 day)
Want to know more details about “Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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