VizTrack Immigration Services is thrilled to bring you the latest developments in Canada’s immigration landscape, particularly with the expansion of the Recognized Employer Pilot Program (REP). As a dedicated Immigration Consultancy, our team is committed to helping individuals worldwide settle in Canada by securing employment through this groundbreaking initiative.
The REP is strategically designed to expedite the processing for Canadian employers who have demonstrated compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Qualifying employers will now enjoy extended validity periods for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and streamlined LMIA applications following the initial assessment.
To be eligible for the REP, an employer must have acquired a minimum of three positive LMIAs in the last five years and be hiring Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) for positions identified as ‘in-shortage’ based on data from the Canadian Occupations Projection System (COPS).
Under the TFWP, employers address urgent workforce needs by hiring foreign nationals. The LMIA submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) verifies that no Canadians or permanent residents are available for the job.
While standard LMIA work permit applications are typically valid for 18 months, REP-qualified employers will receive LMIAs with an extended validity of up to 36 months. These employers will also benefit from simplified LMIA applications in the future.
Eligible employers engaging in the REP can anticipate:
- A simplified application process for future LMIA applications related to positions on the COPS list.
- Reduced points of contact between participating employers and ESDC due to streamlined LMIA forms, enabling the hiring of additional Temporary Foreign Workers for genuine job offers during REP.
- A prestigious Job Bank designation highlighting their recognized status, improving interest from potential workers.
- It’s important to note that participating employers will undergo a thorough initial assessment to ensure only reputable entities are selected for the program. ESDC emphasizes that employers can apply for the REP concurrently with their LMIA submission, requiring no additional information. Even those who do not qualify for the REP will receive a decision on their LMIA.
In the initial phase, which commenced in September 2023, the REP focused on employers in the primary agriculture sector, covering specific occupations. However, the program’s Phase 2 marks a significant expansion, encompassing over 80 in-demand occupations across various sectors.
EDSC emphasizes that occupations eligible for work permits through the Global Talent Stream are not included in the REP, as they already benefit from expedited processing.
For employers planning to hire through the TFWP, the process involves submitting an LMIA to ESDC, where the department assesses the impact on Canada’s labor market and economy. Successful applications result in the ability to hire foreign workers with closed work permits, restricting them from working for other employers in Canada.
ESDC diligently checks employer compliance with various conditions, including adherence to provincial and territorial employment laws, payment of agreed-upon wages, and provision of safe working conditions free from abuse.
Stay tuned with VizTrack Immigration Services for more updates on Canada’s evolving immigration policies, ensuring a smoother transition for individuals seeking new opportunities in the country.
