This initiative is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and is designed to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers for employers. The announcement of this initiative was made by Randy Boissonnault, a respected Minister responsible for employment matters.
Through the REP, eligible Canadian employers will be able to hire workers more efficiently. This streamlined process has been created to ensure the protection of workers.
Starting in September 2023, the REP will be in operation for three years. Its primary objective is to simplify the process for employers to obtain authorization to hire foreign workers. Before hiring foreign workers, employers usually need to demonstrate that they have been unable to find Canadian workers for the job.
The REP aims to simplify administrative tasks and make the hiring process smoother for employers within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. This is particularly beneficial for employers who consistently adhere to program regulations.
Prior to applying to hire a temporary foreign worker, employers generally need to initiate the process with a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment confirms the need for a foreign worker and verifies the lack of available Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the position.
The LMIA also ensures that the job offer is genuine and that the employer complies with program rules to safeguard workers’ rights.
To participate in the REP, employers must have obtained a minimum of three positive LMIA results for the same job within the past five years. These jobs are selected from a list of occupations facing shortages, based on data from the Canadian Occupational Projection System.
Employers in the agricultural sector can apply from September 2023 for the 2024 season. Other industries can apply from January 2024. The application period for both phases will conclude in September 2024.
Employers who meet the criteria will receive invitations to register through a dedicated LMIA application process, distinct from the standard procedure. This streamlined process makes it easier for them to attain recognized status under the REP, alongside the LMIA.
Eligibility assessment for the REP will be based on the employer’s past engagement with the TFW Program, overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If recognized status is not granted, employers can still utilize the TFW Program, and their LMIA applications will continue to be evaluated by the department.
There are two methods for applying for the LMIA and REP:
- Using the LMIA Online Portal, a secure digital platform that allows employers to complete and submit applications to ESDC.
- For employers with legitimate exemptions from the LMIA Online Portal, an alternative option involves submitting a PDF application form to ESDC.
The REP application process will consider the employer’s history within the TFW Program and their frequency of program utilization for high-demand positions.
Employers who meet the established criteria can anticipate:
- A simplified application process for future LMIA applications related to jobs listed in the COPS list.
- Reduced interactions with ESDC during the pilot phase, thanks to simplified LMIA forms. This will enable them to hire more Temporary Foreign Workers for genuine job offers within the REP framework.
- A special Job Bank designation signifying their recognized status, making them more appealing to potential workers.