In a significant move aimed at managing labor market pressures and promoting local hiring, Quebec has extended its suspension of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The suspension, initially set to expire in March 2025, has been prolonged for an additional nine months until November 30, 2025.
Furthermore, the measure has been expanded to include the administrative region of Laval, effective March 3, 2025.
The LMIA suspension applies to jobs with wages below the Quebec threshold of $27.47 CAD per hour and affects positions located in both Montreal and Laval.
Employers are advised not to submit LMIA applications that meet these criteria, as they will not be processed during the suspension period.
This policy shift is part of Quebec’s broader strategy to regulate temporary foreign worker admissions and balance labor market needs with temporary resident management.
The decision was announced by Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration, on February 27, 2025.
Exemptions and Affected Sectors
While the suspension impacts low-wage jobs broadly, certain industries are exempt from this measure. These include:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Food Processing
- Education
- Health and Social Services
Employers in these sectors can continue to apply for LMIAs without interruption. Additionally, previously approved LMIAs and those submitted before September 3, 2024, remain valid and will be processed as usual.
Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers
The extension and expansion of the LMIA suspension create new challenges for employers and foreign workers seeking low-wage employment in Quebec.
Employers may need to explore alternative recruitment strategies or focus on hiring local talent. For foreign workers, options are limited unless they are working in exempt sectors or can transition to higher-paying roles.
Those already in Quebec on a work permit may face difficulties in renewing their permits unless they work in an exempt sector or pursue permanent residency through programs like the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) or Express Entry.
Broader Immigration Policy Changes
Quebec’s decision to extend the LMIA suspension aligns with broader efforts to manage immigration and prioritize economic immigration over temporary work permits.
The province has also announced a cap on international student applications and included temporary resident admissions targets in its upcoming Immigration Levels Plan.
These changes reflect Quebec’s commitment to reducing dependency on low-wage foreign labor while maintaining pathways for skilled workers.
In short, Quebec’s extension of the LMIA suspension for low-wage jobs in Montreal and Laval underscores the province’s focus on labor market management and local hiring.
While it presents challenges for some employers and foreign workers, it also highlights opportunities for skilled immigration and local job creation.
