Skip to main content

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers

In early 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant farm workers caused produce sections of Canadian grocery stores to become increasingly empty. The workers are hired through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has been accused of abuse due to unsafe workplaces and living conditions. 


The program will be altered in September with a new initiative, Recognized Employer Pilot, to reduce the administrative burden on employers with the highest worker protection level. 


The pilot will last three years and help prevent workplace and living conditions from deteriorating. The power imbalance between employers and workers is the root of the problem, which is caused by employer-specific work permits and the tenuous immigration status of workers.


What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot? 


On August 8, 2023, the Canadian Government announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to make it easier for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) employers to hire foreign workers. 


Employers with at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the same occupation over the past five years can participate in REP. 

It will be rolled out in two stages:

 

  • with the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and 

  • the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors. 


When hiring new workers through the LMIA Online Portal, recognized businesses can benefit from validity periods of up to 36 months and access to a quicker LMIA application. The REP, which is intended to improve administrative efficiency, will include the following features:


  • Employers will have faster and more predictable access to labour

  • stronger workers protection, and

  • more flexibility for the Canadian labour market.


What are the Eligibility Requirements for the new Recognized Employer Pilot?


When an employer applies for the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), Service Canada will perform an initial, comprehensive assessment of your LMIA application to evaluate your eligibility for the REP. You may be eligible for the REP if you meet the following criteria:


  • In the last five years, you've received at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions to hire temporary foreign workers (TFWs) for positions on the REP occupations list.

  • You meet the highest standards for working conditions, living settings, and worker protection, as demonstrated by your history with the TFW Program (TFWP), and 

  • you commit to follow the regular TFWP requirements.


To apply for the REP, you are not required to provide additional information. You can apply for REP at the same time that you submit your LMIA. Service Canada will decide whether you're eligible depending on your TFWP history. Even if you are not approved for the REP, you will receive an LMIA decision.

If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates


The REP is divided into two stages 


REP is rolled out in two stages:

  • the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers for five specific occupations and 

  • the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors. 


Occupations list for the first stage of REP


Applications for positions on Employment and Social Development Canada's (ESDC) Phase 1 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in September 2023. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour.

Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Annual wage levels are offered only for illustration purposes. Occupations in the first REP stage are: 

NOC code 2011

NOC code 2021

Occupations

8431

85100

Livestock labourers

8431, 8611

85101

Harvesting labourers

8431

84120

Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators

8432

85103

Nursery and greenhouse labourers


Occupations list for the Second stage of REP 


Applications for positions on ESDC's Phase 2 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in January 2024. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour.


Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Occupations in the second REP stage


What are the updated LMIA application processing times for 2023?


Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, Agricultural stream, and In-home caregivers. 

  • Global Talent Stream - 10 business days (-3 days)

  • Agricultural stream - 16 business days (+5 days)

  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - 6 business days (-1 day)

  • Permanent residence Stream - 60 business days (+6 days)

  • In-home caregivers – 24 business days (+1 day)

  • High-wage Stream - 37 business days (-3 days)

  • Low-wage Stream - 44 business days (-6 days)


Join our RSS Feed 


Want to know more details about “The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.




Tel: (416) 604-2669 

Email: info@immigrationmatters.info


Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.



For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts

at Gunness & Associates



Get a free Assessment 


Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here




All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates


Labels:
Location: 3500 Dufferin St Suite 501, Toronto, ON M3K 1N2, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IRCC sets new wage rules for employers recruiting temporary foreign workers

IRCC sets new wage rules for employers recruiting temporary foreign workers From January 1, 2024, employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers' wages to match updated prevailing rates, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although some employers are exempt, this usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Job Bank updates provincial wage differences annually.  Canada is inviting foreign workers to boost its economy amid labor shortages, with potential losses of $38 billion due to shortages, as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reported. Foreign workers in Canada are legally entitled to the same rights as Canadians, with employers required to ensure a fair work environment and access to healthcare. Even if the prevailing wage falls, the updated wage can never fall below the wage identified in the positive LMIA at any time during a TFW's employment period. Emplo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Canada may recruit DACA recipients

  Canada may recruit DACA recipients  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that protects and provides work authorization to immigrants brought to the US as children. Over 570,000 Dreamers are currently protected by DACA and are productive members of the American economy.  However, the program is in legal limbo as Congress has failed to authorize permanent protection, and Republican states are suing to terminate it.  Canada is actively recruiting immigrants with US work experience or education and could also attract DACA recipients, highly educated and qualified workers.  Canada's Express Entry system could be a viable option for Dreamers, who would be competitive candidates. If Canada poaches Dreamers, the US will face significant economic losses as Canada reaps the benefits of highly productive US-trained immigrants. Canada has stepped up its efforts in recent months to deliberately recruit immigrants with prior education or work experienc...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC invited up to 218 skilled candidates under the BC PNP

BC invited up to 218 skilled candidates under the BC PNP  On February 6, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified and skilled candidates with work experience in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  In the general draw, the province invited 102 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 97 points. BC issued 46 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 39 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 26 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector.  Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. In total, British Columbia issued up to 218 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Colum...
Post a Comment
Read more