Hiring a Temporary Foreign Worker through the Recognized Employer Pilot: What You Need to Know

The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) is a 3-year program divided into two phases, designed to facilitate the hiring of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada. Below, we explain the key aspects of this program in a simple and accessible way.

Important Changes to Consider in 2025

Starting September 26, 2024, new measures have been applied to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions:

• LMIA applications for low-wage positions in metropolitan areas with unemployment rates above 6% will no longer be processed.
• The cap on hiring low-wage workers has been reduced from 20% to 10% in certain sectors.
• In the construction and healthcare sectors, the cap has been reduced to 20%.
• The maximum employment duration for low-wage positions has been reduced from 2 years to 1 year.

Closed Applications for Participation in the REP

As of September 16, 2024, no new applications to participate in the REP are being accepted. However, recognized employers already enrolled can continue to use the simplified LMIA process.

Benefits of the Recognized Employer Pilot

This program is designed to:

• Reduce bureaucracy in the hiring process.
• Offer validity periods of up to 36 months for approved LMIA applications.
• Provide more flexibility and predictable access to the workforce.

Recognized employers must meet the highest standards in working conditions, housing, and worker protection.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the REP, employers must:

• Have received at least 3 positive LMIA decisions in the last 5 years for hiring temporary foreign workers.
• Meet the highest standards in working conditions and worker protection.
• Undergo random evaluations to ensure compliance with program rules.

List of Eligible Occupations

The REP is divided into two phases with specific occupation lists:

Phase 1 (Since September 2023)

Includes occupations such as:

• Agricultural machinery operators
• Farm and nursery workers
• Harvesting laborers

Phase 2 (Since January 2024)

Includes more specialized occupations, such as:

• Industrial and mechanical engineers
• Doctors and healthcare personnel
• Transport truck drivers
• Workers in the food industry

Wage and Working Condition Requirements

Employers must offer:

• Competitive wages that meet the prevailing wage according to the Job Bank.
• Working conditions compliant with provincial or territorial regulations.
• Benefits similar to those offered to Canadian workers.

Inspections and Compliance

Employers must:

• Retain compliance documentation for at least 6 years.
• Participate in inspections to demonstrate adherence to established working and housing conditions.
• Annually review wages to ensure they meet updated rates.

Program Closure

The REP is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026. Until then, recognized employers can continue using the simplified LMIA process to hire workers for eligible occupations.

Conclusion

The Recognized Employer Pilot is a valuable tool for businesses needing to fill positions in sectors with labor shortages. However, employers must stay informed of regulatory changes and ensure compliance with all program requirements to avoid penalties and guarantee a fair working environment for foreign workers.

If you need assistance navigating the process of hiring foreign workers, you can rely on the specialized immigration consultants for businesses at Immigria. We are here to help.

Source: IRCC

Adapted by Immigria Editorial Team