83% increase in LMIA work visas by western provinces in Canada

Highlights: Western Canada sees an increase in LMIA Applications in 2023

• Western Canada is witnessing a high rise in LMIA work visa applications.
• According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), there has been a 39% widespread increase in LMIA applications.
• Western Canada contributed nearly 83% of the LMIA work visa applications.
• The 3-year Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) was announced in August to update the TFW program. 

 

Check your eligibility to work in Canada

Want to check your Canadian eligibility? You can now check your eligibility with the Y-Axis Canada Immigration points calculator.

 

Increase in LMIA applications in Western Canada

Employers in Western Canada are keen on hiring overseas skilled workers to make up for the labor gap. The ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada revealed 2023 statistics for the LMIA applications on 5 November.

 

According to the reports, there is a 39% increase in nationwide LMIA applications, while Western Canada contributed to nearly 83% of the LMIA applications.

 

According to the CBC News, Yukon was the only province with a slight decrease in LMIA applications.

 

The table below details the yearly difference in the LMIA application percentage.

Name of the Province	Yearly % difference in LMIA applications
Nunavut	535.7
Northwest Territories	115.6
Manitoba	103.3
Saskatchewan	103.2

 

 

*Looking to work in Canada? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services for complete job assistance.

 

 

Processing times of LMIA Applications

According to the Federal Data, Alberta has the longest LMIA processing time. The average time Alberta takes to process the applications is longer than that of provinces with more priority-stream files.

 

The table given below has the list of top provinces with longer processing times:

Name of the province	LMIA processing time
Manitoba	53 days
NWT	50.3 days
Saskatchewan	46.7 days

 

*Looking for expert advice for Canada Immigration? Avail free counseling offered by Y-Axis.

 

The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)

The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) is a three-year pilot program in two phases. The program gives the following employers mentioned below a modernized approach:

 

• Employers who access the TFWP to fill in-demand roles from the REP Occupations List.
• Employers who meet good living and working conditions and worker protection standards.

 

Recognized employers can take advantage of the 36-month- validity period of the LMIA applications. The employers can access an uncomplicated LMIA application while hiring:

 

• Streamlined and probable access to labor
• More adaptability for Canada's labor market.

 

The two phases of Recognized Employer Pilot (REP):

The two phases of REP are given below:

 

Phase 1: Candidates can apply for Phase 1 starting September 2023.

Phase 2: Candidates can apply for Phase 2 starting January 2023.

 

Service Canada will cease the acceptance of the REP applications in September 2024. Employers already enrolled in the REP can still drop in requests for roles in the REP Occupations List via a simpler LMIA.

 

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Canada? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading Overseas Immigration Company in the UAE.

 

For recent Immigration updates, do check out: Y-Axis Canada Immigration news

Web story: 83% increase in LMIA work visas by western provinces in Canada