IRCC UPDATES WORK PERMIT GUIDELINES UNDER THE RECOGNIZED EMPLOYER PILOT (REP)

📅 Release Date: July 16, 2025

IRCC has issued new guidelines to standardize the processing of work permits under the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) — a program within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in coordination with Service Canada.

✅ What is REP?

The Recognized Employer Pilot is a 3-year initiative (2023–2026) designed to expedite applications for employers who have consistently demonstrated compliance with the TFWP.

Qualified businesses are designated as “Recognized Employers” and benefit from:

• Exemption from certain repetitive LMIA evaluation steps 
• LMIA validity of up to 36 months 
• Use of a simplified LMIA application 
• Access to priority processing streams when submitting applications 

📌 REP Approval Process – 2 Phases:

• Phase 1 (now closed): For occupations under the REP Tier 1 list 
• Phase 2 (ongoing since Jan 2024): Expanded to include more Tier 2 occupations such as: 
  • Construction workers 
  • Agricultural and livestock laborers 
  • Electricians, mechanics 
  • Chefs and kitchen helpers 
  • Long-haul truck drivers 
  • Manufacturing and packaging workers 

🎯 Key Benefits for Canadian Employers:

✔ LMIA processing time reduced to 10–15 days (instead of 40+)

✔ Three-year LMIA eligibility for recurring roles

✔ Fewer repeat LMIA submissions for the same position

✔ Lower risk of rejection or delays due to technical issues or missing documents

✔ More competitive hiring edge — REP offers a simpler and clearer process compared to non-REP employers

🧭 REP Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 3 approved LMIAs in the past 5 years 
• Proven compliance history with the TFWP (no violations or ineligibility listings) 
• Hiring for occupations listed under REP 
• Recruitment must be recurring, not a one-off hiring 

💼 How SICON Supports Employers through REP:

• Assess REP eligibility based on recruitment history and past compliance reviews 
• Review and align the recruitment process with updated IRCC REP guidelines 
• Prepare and submit REP applications, including simplified LMIA and supporting documentation 
• Monitor and communicate with Service Canada/IRCC throughout the process 
• Guide employers and foreign workers through the work permit process — from LMIA to Port of Entry (POE) 

⚠️ Warning: This Opportunity Won’t Last Forever

The REP is still a pilot and is being closely monitored. Entry criteria may tighten in future updates — particularly if quotas are filled or violations occur.

👉 Employers planning to hire recurring foreign workers within the next year should act now.

📩 Contact SICON today to:

• Assess REP eligibility 
• Prepare a timely submission strategy 
• Avoid costly errors in LMIA or work permit filings