January 2024 Update: Phase 2 of this program has started. See below for more details on phase 2 of this program.
Canada has unveiled a fresh initiative designed to tackle labor shortages and streamline the hiring process for repeat users of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This new pilot project, set to launch in September 2023, is known as the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP).
The REP is aimed at simplifying the experience for employers who frequently rely on the TFW Program to staff essential roles in specific fields. Under this program, eligible employers will have the opportunity to secure extended Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which will be valid for up to 36 months. This represents a notable enhancement compared to the current maximum validity period of 18 months.
Typically, employers need an LMIA before they can apply for work permits to hire temporary foreign workers. An LMIA confirms the necessity of hiring a foreign worker and certifies the unavailability of Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position. It also verifies the legitimacy of the job offer and the employer’s compliance with regulations aimed at safeguarding workers.
Requirements and Eligibility for Recognized Employer Pilot
To qualify for the REP program, employers must have received at least three positive LMIAs for the same occupation within the past five years. These occupations must be listed as in demand and supported by data from the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS). Additionally, eligible employers must demonstrate adherence to high standards of working and living conditions as well as worker protection. They must also commit to continuing compliance with standard program prerequisites.
In addition to the extended LMIA validity period, participants in the REP program will benefit from a simplified application process for future LMIA applications related to positions on the COPS list.
When Will Canada’s Recognized Employer Pilot Begin?
The pilot has been introduced in two phases:
Phase 1
In September 2023, applications will be open for roles within the Primary Agriculture stream. These Phase 1 occupations, such as livestock laborers, harvesting laborers, greenhouse laborers, and specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators, have been identified as both in demand and facing a shortage of domestic labor supply.
Phase 1 occupations include:
| NOC code 2021 | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| 85101 | Harvesting labourers |
| 84120 | Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators |
| 85103 | Nursery and greenhouse labourers |
Phase 2
The second phase began in January 2024. This phase will allow applications for positions listed in the Phase 2 REP occupations catalog by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This expanded list encompasses occupations from diverse sectors like healthcare, food service, construction, trades, and manufacturing. Notably, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) occupations are excluded from the REP program, as they already receive expedited LMIA processing and GTS recruitment benefits based on the current labor market assessment by COPS.
Phase 2 occupations include:
| NOC code 2021 | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 20010 | Engineering managers |
| 20011 | Architecture and science managers |
| 21321 | Industrial and manufacturing engineers |
| 21322 | Metallurgical and materials engineers |
| 21200 | Architects |
| 21201 | Landscape architects |
| 21202 | Urban and land use planners |
| 21203 | Land surveyors |
| 31300 | Nursing coordinators and supervisors |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
| 31103 | Veterinarians |
| 31111 | Optometrists |
| 31201 | Chiropractors |
| 31209 | Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating |
| 31121 | Dieticians and nutritionists |
| 31112 | Audiologists and speech-language pathologists |
| 31202 | Physiotherapists |
| 32109 | Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 31203 | Occupational therapists |
| 31204 | Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 32120 | Medical laboratory technologists |
| 33101 | Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
| 31303 | Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals |
| 32104 | Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
| 32103 | Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
| 32121 | Medical radiation technologists |
| 32122 | Medical sonographers |
| 32110 | Denturists |
| 32111 | Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
| 32112 | Dental technologists and technicians |
| 33100 | Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| 33109 | Other assisting occupations in support of health services |
| 31200 | Psychologists |
| 41301 | Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies |
| 41310 | Police investigators and other investigative occupations |
| 44101 | Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations |
| 65310 | Light-duty cleaners |
| 63100 | Insurance agents and brokers |
| 62020 | Food service supervisors |
| 62200 | Chefs |
| 63200 | Cooks |
| 63201 | Butchers – Retail and wholesale |
| 65202 | Meat cutters and fishmongers – Retail and wholesale |
| 64100 | Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| 65200 | Food and beverage servers |
| 65201 | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72310 | Carpenters |
| 72311 | Cabinetmakers |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72402 | Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics |
| 72405 | Machine fitters |
| 72406 | Elevator constructors and mechanics |
| 72420 | Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics |
| 72421 | Appliance servicers and repairers |
| 72422 | Electrical mechanics |
| 72423 | Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics |
| 72429 | Other small engine and small equipment repairers |
| 73200 | Residential and commercial installers and servicers |
| 73300 | Transport truck drivers |
| 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| 85101 | Harvesting labourers |
| 84120 | Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators |
| 85103 | Nursery and greenhouse labourers |
| 85102 | Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers |
| 85120 | Logging and forestry labourers |
| 94141 | Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers |
| 94142 | Fish and seafood plant workers |
| 94210 | Furniture and fixture assemblers, finishers, refinishers and inspectors |
| 94211 | Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products |
| 95100 | Labourers in mineral and metal processing |
| 95101 | Labourers in metal fabrication |
| 95102 | Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities |
| 95103 | Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing |
| 95104 | Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing |
| 95106 | Labourers in food and beverage processing |
| 95107 | Labourers in fish and seafood processing |
How Long Will Applications Be Accepted?
Applications will be accepted for this trial program until September 2024. But if they need to hire more temporary foreign employees, businesses participating in the REP will still have the choice to fill positions during the pilot period using a streamlined LMIA procedure. In the fall of 2026, the REP program is expected to come to an end.
At its core, this novel program targets roles that are in high demand but lack sufficient domestic labor, showcasing the federal government’s dedication to streamlining labor access for employers and enhancing flexibility in the Canadian labor market.
Are You Interested in Applying for Canada’s Recognized Employer Pilot?
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