Work in Canada
Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) – Faster LMIAs and Smoother Hiring for Canada’s Trusted Employers
Canada is simplifying repeat hiring through the Recognized Employer Pilot, a streamlined Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) route for employers with a strong record in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). If your business hires for in-demand occupations listed under REP, you can secure longer LMIA validity, fewer repeat forms, and more predictable planning—all while staying aligned with federal safeguards for workers.
Below is a clear, Canada-centric guide to how REP works, who qualifies, and what officers look for when issuing work permits tied to REP LMIAs.
What is the Recognized Employer Pilot?
Recognized Employer Pilot is a time-limited initiative (rolled out September 12, 2023; scheduled through December 2026) that rewards trustworthy, frequent TFWP users with a streamlined LMIA process for occupations facing shortages (based on NOC). Qualified employers receive:
- LMIA validity up to 36 months (most REP LMIAs will expire by December 31, 2026; only LMIAs issued July 1–Dec 31, 2026 can extend 6 months beyond the pilot).
- Multi-year planning: positions can be allocated across years and reused while the LMIA remains valid and positions are available.
- Coverage across streams: permanent resident pathway LMIAs, high-wage, low-wage, primary agriculture (including SAWP), and caregiver streams.
Quick Reference: REP at a Glance
| Feature | What It Means for Employers | What It Means for Workers |
| LMIA validity | Up to 36 months (with pilot end-date rules) | More time for work permit applications within validity |
| Position management | Yearly breakdown recorded; can adjust within the total approved | Applications must match available positions under the LMIA |
| Streams covered | PR pathway, high-wage, low-wage, primary agriculture (ag stream & SAWP), caregiver | Work permits issued per stream rules (e.g., SAWP max 8 months) |
| Quebec | CAQ required when job location is in Quebec | CAQ “valid-to” date must be present on approvals |
| Global Talent Stream | Not part of REP | GTS keeps separate priority processing |
Eligibility and Assessment: What Officers Check
Officers from IRCC and CBSA assess each work permit tied to a REP LMIA. Their review focuses on:
1. LMIA is REP-tagged and still valid
Officers confirm the LMIA is designated as REP and verify remaining positions (keep in mind: a sixth work permit cannot be issued on a five-position LMIA).
2. Applicant Fits the Job
Education, language, duties, and NOC alignment must match the LMIA and offer of employment.
3. Stream-Specific Rules
- SAWP: max 8 months, permits issued until December 15 of the season (unless passport/biometrics end earlier).
- Low-wage: typically 1 year.
- High-wage: up to 3 years.
- Quebec: CAQ details must appear on file and on the work permit.
4. Port of Entry limits
SAWP applicants cannot apply at the POE under R198(2). Others may, if they meet the criteria.
5. Refusals
If positions are exhausted, or the applicant cannot perform the job, officers may refuse under R203(1) or R200(3)(a). Reasons are recorded, and a procedural fairness step may occur if outside evidence is considered.
How the Year-by-Year Positions Work
Employers receive a total position count for the LMIA validity (e.g., 12 over 36 months). A yearly breakdown is recorded in ESDC comments and can be adjusted later (without exceeding the total approved). Unused positions may be carried forward, again within the total approved cap.
Example layouts
- 2024: 4 | 2025: 4 | 2026: 4
- 2024: 5 | 2025: 3 | 2026: 4
- 2024: 3 | 2025: 6 | 2026: 3
Tip for employers: track consumption closely so recruiters, HR, and counsel stay in sync with real-time availability.
Special Notes for Agriculture (Including SAWP)
- Season end date: SAWP work permits generally run to December 15 of that year.
- REP benefit: Multi-year LMIA validity supports recurring seasonal needs, but each worker’s permit length still follows SAWP rules (max 8 months).
- Operational detail: officers match permits to seasons and the LMIA year.
Officer Coding and Issuance Essentials (Behind the Scenes)
- Case types:
- 53 – LMIA-required work permit
- 57 – Live-in Caregiver work permit
- 98 – SAWP
- NOC code, job title, employer, location: must match LMIA details.
- Quebec CAQ: CAQ “valid-to” date must be captured; for SAWP, defaults to Dec 15.
For SAWP, user remarks include bilingual POE instructions and location limits as per LMIA.
Who Benefits Most from REP?
- Employers with recurring, predictable hiring in occupations on the REP list.
- Firms that value multi-year planning and fewer reapplications.
- Sectors with chronic shortages where timeliness is crucial (e.g., agriculture, select high-wage/low-wage roles, caregivers).
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Mismatch between job and NOC: align duties precisely with the LMIA.
- Expired positions: always confirm remaining LMIA positions before submitting a permit application.
- POE attempts for SAWP: file through IRCC, not at the border.
- Quebec files missing CAQ data: ensure CAQ fields are completed before issuance.
- Document refresh: information in GCMS must be refreshed so the latest ESDC notes are used.
REP vs. “Regular” LMIAs: Why REP Can Save Time
- Fewer repeat filings: extended validity means less paperwork churn.
- Predictable cycles: plan staff onboarding across multiple seasons or years.
- Clear tracking: yearly breakdown guides internal headcount planning.
The Recognized Employer Pilot Is Built for Reliability
For trusted Canadian employers addressing real shortages, the Recognized Employer Pilot offers a simpler, longer-range LMIA path. With careful planning – stream rules, CAQ for Quebec, SAWP season logic, and accurate NOC matching, REP can cut repeat effort and keep hiring timely. If you’re ready to use Canada’s REP to build a steady workforce, Canada Immigration News can provide latest updates at every step,
