Quebec has extended its suspension of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage jobs under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The measure, which was originally set to end on March 3, 2025, will now remain in effect until November 30, 2025. Additionally, the restriction, which initially applied only to Montreal, has now been expanded to include Laval.
Extended Suspension of Low-Wage LMIAs in Quebec
Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration, announced on February 27, 2025, that the province will continue restricting LMIA processing for low-wage positions for an additional nine months. This policy, which began in September 2024, was originally implemented to manage temporary foreign worker applications in areas with sufficient local workforce availability.
New Regions Affected
Previously, the LMIA suspension only impacted businesses hiring in Montreal. However, starting March 3, 2025, Laval will also be affected. Employers looking to hire foreign workers for low-wage positions in these two regions will not be able to submit LMIA applications until the policy expires.
Who Is Affected by the LMIA Suspension?
This suspension applies to:
- Jobs paying below Quebec’s wage threshold of $27.47 CAD per hour.
- Positions located in the administrative regions of Montreal and Laval.
Any LMIA applications that meet these criteria will not be processed if submitted while the suspension is in effect.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, certain industries are exempt from this LMIA suspension. Employers in the following sectors can still apply for LMIAs under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Food Processing
- Education
- Health and Social Services
Additionally, LMIA applications that were submitted before September 3, 2024, or those that have already been approved, are not affected by this policy.
Quebec’s Recent Immigration Changes
Quebec has been making significant changes to its immigration policies in recent months. Along with the extended LMIA suspension, the province has introduced additional measures aimed at reducing the number of temporary residents.
On February 27, 2025, the Quebec government also announced a cap on the number of international student applications it will process. This aligns with the province’s broader strategy to regulate temporary resident admissions in its upcoming Immigration Levels Plan.
Federal Government’s LMIA Restrictions
Quebec’s move aligns with a broader federal policy. Shortly after the province introduced its LMIA restrictions in 2024, the Government of Canada followed suit by pausing the processing of low-wage LMIAs in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate exceeds 6%.
The federal government updates its list of affected CMAs every quarter, with the next update scheduled for April 4, 2025. While these restrictions impact many industries, exceptions exist for essential sectors such as:
- Primary Agriculture
- Food Processing
- Fish Processing
- Construction
- Healthcare
How to Navigate LMIA Restrictions in Quebec
Employers in Quebec looking to hire foreign workers should explore alternative pathways, such as hiring in exempt industries or applying for high-wage positions that are not subject to LMIA suspensions. Businesses affected by these changes should seek professional immigration guidance.
Schedule a Work Permit Consultation today to discuss your options with an immigration expert.
