In a major procedural change, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to simplify the hiring process for Canadian employers. As of October 24, 2025, IRCC allows multiple work permit applications under a single Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided that positions remain available on that LMIA. This update will save time and paperwork for recognized employers while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

These clarifications aim to make it easier for employers to manage their workforce needs, streamline LMIA usage, and ensure that qualified foreign workers can fill essential roles efficiently.

What is the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)?

The Recognized Employer Pilot was launched in September 2023 as part of the government’s effort to reduce administrative burdens on frequent users of the TFWP. The program enables trusted employers, those with proven compliance records to access a streamlined LMIA process for roles consistently listed in the REP occupations list.

Under this initiative:

• Employers can receive an LMIA valid for up to 36 months.
• They can fill multiple approved positions across various years, as long as they stay within their total LMIA allocation.
• REP LMIAs apply across major streams, including high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, and caregiver categories.

This flexibility allows businesses to plan long-term and respond to ongoing labour shortages, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and essential services.

IRCC’s New Policy: Multiple Work Permits Under One LMIA

The new update clarifies that IRCC now permits several work permit applications under one approved REP LMIA, a change welcomed by Canadian employers.

Here’s what it means in practice:

• A recognized employer can now reuse their LMIA for multiple foreign workers until all available positions are filled.
• IRCC officers will verify position availability through an updated internal system to prevent exceeding the LMIA allocation.
• The process ensures transparency while giving employers greater control over how they utilize their approved positions.

For example, if an employer’s REP LMIA approves five positions, they can submit separate work permit applications for each of those positions, even at different times, until the total quota is reached.

Benefits for Employers and Foreign Workers

This streamlined approach ensures that employers can continue to meet labour demands while adhering to program integrity standards.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Foreign nationals applying under the Recognized Employer Pilot should:

• Ensure their application links to a valid REP LMIA.
• Confirm that there is still an open position available on the LMIA.
• Meet eligibility and admissibility requirements under Canadian law.

If the LMIA has reached its maximum allocation, any further applications will be refused under section 203 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

IRCC Updated the Recognized Employer Pilot to Support Canada’s Workforce

The IRCC updated the Recognized Employer Pilot to make it easier for Canadian employers to hire efficiently while maintaining transparency in the LMIA process. Allowing multiple work permit applications under a single LMIA enhances flexibility, reduces administrative barriers, and supports Canada’s growing demand for skilled foreign labour. For expert guidance on REP applications and LMIA procedures, reach out to ImmigCanada, your trusted partner in Canadian immigration solutions.