Recognized Employer Pilot Program Phase 2 opens January 2024

In September 2023, Canada launched a new Recognized Employer Pilot program (REP). The REP program aims to streamline the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process for employers who frequently access the LMIA program to fill in-demand occupations with temporary foreign workers. Eligible employers must apply to participate in the three year pilot. If approved, they benefit from a simplified LMIA process and LMIAs with a validity of up to 3 years.

An LMIA is approval under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), to hire foreign nationals for positions where the employer has demonstrated a labour shortage. It requires the employer to pay, at a minimum, the prevailing wage set by the government for the position. Further, the employer must agree to terms and conditions that protect the rights of the worker while in Canada.

Eligibility

To qualify for the REP, an employer must:

• have been issued at least three positive LMIAs for the same occupation that is listed on the REP’s in-demand occupations list in the past five years;
• demonstrate they have the highest standard of working and living conditions and worker protection; and
• agree to adhere to regular TFWP requirements.

Participation

Employers can apply to the REP by simply making an application for an LMIA, and making the request in their application. There is no additional information or fees required. IF ESDC determines an employer is not eligible, a decision on the LMIA is still made.

Applications to participate are open until September 2024. Employers enrolled in the REP can continue to submit LMIA applications under the streamlined process until fall 2026.

Occupations List

Phase 1: In September 2023, the occupation list included the following occupations:

Phase 2: In January 2024, the list includes an additional 84 occupations:

More Information

For employers interested in participating in the REP, we would be happy to help. Please contact our immigration team.

Additional details are available on ESDC’s website.