Get ready to expand your talent pool, Canadian employers! The Recognized Employer Work Permit Program (REP) just received a major boost, welcoming 84 brand-new occupations to its eligible list. This means businesses across a wider range of industries can now streamline the process of hiring skilled foreign workers.
Recognized Employer Work Permit Program
Initially launched with a focus on the agricultural sector, the pilot program allowed REP-eligible employers to hire temporary workers for specific roles, such as;
- Livestock Laborers
- Harvesting Laborers
- Specialized Livestock Workers, and
- Nursery and Greenhouse Laborers
Building on the success of the first phase, the program has now widened its scope to include an additional 84 occupations.
This expansion spans various industries, from engineering and healthcare to skilled trades, reflecting Canada’s commitment to meeting the demands of a dynamic job market.
84 New Occupations Added to REP
The expanded list features a diverse range of occupations, including Engineering Managers, Architects, Healthcare Professionals, Construction Workers, Cooks, and Retail Salespersons. This strategic inclusion ensures that employers have access to a rich array of skills and expertise.
| NOC Code | Occupation |
| 20010 | Engineering managers |
| 20011 | Architecture and science managers |
| 21321 | Industrial and manufacturing engineers |
| 21322 | Metallurgical and materials engineers |
| 20010 | Engineering managers |
| 21200 | Architects |
| 21201 | Landscape architects |
| 21202 | Urban and land use planners |
| 21203 | Land surveyors |
| 31300 | Nursing coordinators and supervisors |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
| 31103 | Veterinarians |
| 31111 | Optometrists |
| 31201 | Chiropractors |
| 31209 | Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating |
| 31121 | Dieticians and nutritionists |
| 31112 | Audiologists and speech-language pathologists |
| 31202 | Physiotherapists |
| 32109 | Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 31203 | Occupational therapists |
| 31204 | Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 32120 | Medical laboratory technologists |
| 33101 | Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
| 31303 | Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals |
| 32104 | Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
| 32103 | Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
| 32121 | Medical radiation technologists |
| 32122 | Medical sonographers |
| 32110 | Denturists |
| 32111 | Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
| 32112 | Dental technologists and technicians |
| 33100 | Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| 33109 | Other assisting occupations in support of health services |
| 31200 | Psychologists |
| 41301 | Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies |
| 41310 | Police investigators and other investigative occupations |
| 44101 | Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations |
| 65310 | Light-duty cleaners |
| 63100 | Insurance agents and brokers |
| 62020 | Food service supervisors |
| 62200 | Chefs |
| 63200 | Cooks |
| 63201 | Butchers – Retail and wholesale |
| 65202 | Meat cutters and fishmongers – Retail and wholesale |
| 64100 | Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| 65200 | Food and beverage servers |
| 65201 | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72310 | Carpenters |
| 72311 | Cabinetmakers |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72402 | Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics |
| 72405 | Machine fitters |
| 72406 | Elevator constructors and mechanics |
| 72420 | Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics |
| 72421 | Appliance servicers and repairers |
| 72422 | Electrical mechanics |
| 72423 | Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics |
| 72429 | Other small engine and small equipment repairers |
| 73200 | Residential and commercial installers and servicers |
| 73300 | Transport truck drivers |
| 85100 | Livestock laborers |
| 85101 | Harvesting laborers |
| 84120 | Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators |
| 85103 | Nursery and greenhouse laborers |
| 85102 | Aquaculture and marine harvest laborers |
| 85120 | Logging and forestry laborers |
| 94141 | Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers |
| 94142 | Fish and seafood plant workers |
| 94210 | Furniture and fixture assemblers, finishers, refinishers and inspectors |
| 94211 | Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products |
| 95100 | Laborers in mineral and metal processing |
| 95101 | Laborers in metal fabrication |
| 95102 | Laborers in chemical products processing and utilities |
| 95103 | Laborers in wood, pulp and paper processing |
| 95104 | Electrical Mechanics |
| 95106 | Laborers in food and beverage processing |
| 95107 | Laborers in fish and seafood processing |
| 95103 | Laborers in wood, pulp and paper processing |
Streamlined Application Process for Employers
Canadian employers looking to leverage the benefits of the REP program can choose between two convenient application methods:
- Online LMIA Portal: A secure platform for a simplified and efficient application process.
- Email Submission: Employers can submit PDF applications directly to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
What are the Benefits for Employers?
Joining the REP program comes with significant advantages:
- Fast-Track LMIA Applications: Skip the hassle of lengthy forms and enjoy pre-approval for specific occupations.
- Reduced Processing Times: Get your LMIA applications approved quicker thanks to your REP status.
- Enhanced Reputation: Attract top talent by showcasing your recognized status on the Job Bank.
Additional Options for Hiring Foreign Talent
While REP offers a valuable solution, remember that you have other options:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Address temporary labour needs across various industries.
- International Mobility Program (IMP): Welcome international students and professionals for work placements through cultural exchange programs.
- Express Entry System: Attract skilled foreign workers for permanent residency with a points-based system.
Conclusion
Canada’s addition of 84 new occupations to the Recognized Employer Work Permit Program signals a commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce. This expansion not only provides employers with an extensive talent pool but also streamlines processes, positioning Canada as an attractive destination for global talent acquisition.
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