The Canadian government is set to initiate the Recognized Employer Pilot as a response to labor shortages in September. This initiative falls under the umbrella of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), aiming to streamline processes for employers who consistently adhere to TFWP criteria.
The Canadian government introduces the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) program, aiming to streamline hiring for Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program employers. REP benefits employers with a history of compliance, granting access to extended-validity LMIAs for up to 36 months and simplified application procedures.
To join REP, employers need three positive LMIAs in the same occupation over five years, from a designated in-shortage list backed by Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data. The program’s first phase, launching in September for the Primary Agriculture stream, aids employers in preparing for the 2024 season.
The government outlines three stages to aid eligible employers in managing staffing and minimizing temporary worker recruitment. This strategy intends to decrease program applications for the upcoming three years. The steps are as follows:
- To qualify, employers must possess a minimum of three positive LMIAs in the past five years for the same occupation from a designated in-shortage list based on Canadian.
- Employers will undergo a thorough initial assessment based on their track record within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This guarantees the REP’s focus on companies with exemplary recruitment procedures.
- Employers will undertake the LMIA test, aimed at verifying the unavailability of Canadian workers for the specific job they’re recruiting for.
The Recognized Employer Pilot will have two parts. It starts in September 2023 for primary agriculture employers, while other employers can apply from January 2024.
Employer applications for the REP close in September 2024. Employers eligible for REP can also expect a simpler application process for future LMIA applications for jobs on the COPS list.
During the pilot, participating employers will have fewer contacts with the Department of Employment and Social Development (ESDC). This is because simplified LMIA forms let employers hire more temporary foreign workers during the REP’s pilot time, the government added.
