Quebec Extends Suspension of Low-Wage LMIAs in Montreal and Expands to Laval

Quebec has suspended Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for an additional nine months.

Key Details of the LMIA Suspension

• Originally set to expire in March 2025, now extended until November 30, 2025.

• Announced by Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration, on February 27, 2025.

• Previously applied only to Montreal but now includes Laval, effective March 3, 2025.

Who is Affected?

• Jobs with wages below Quebec’s threshold ($27.47 CAD per hour).

• Jobs located in the Montreal or Laval regions.

• Employers should not submit LMIA applications that meet these criteria, as they will not be processed.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Certain industries and applications are not affected by this LMIA suspension:

• Exempt Industries (as per NAICS/The North American Industry Classification System  codes):

  • Agriculture

  • Construction

  • Food Processing

  • Education

  • Health and Social Services

• Previously Approved LMIAs:

  • Applications approved before September 3, 2024, remain valid.

  • Applications submitted before September 3, 2024, will still be processed.

Breaking CIC News – Express Entry Changes 

Why is Quebec Extending the LMIA Suspension?

• Part of Quebec’s broader strategy to regulate temporary foreign worker admissions.

• Aims to balance labor market needs with temporary resident management.

Other Immigration Policy Changes in Quebec:

• Cap on International Student Applications (Announced on February 27, 2025).

• Temporary Resident Admissions Targets included for the first time in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan.

• Changes to Immigration Pathways affecting prospective immigrants, international students, and residency seekers.

Breaking CIC News – Express Entry Changes 

Federal Government LMIA Suspension in High-Unemployment Areas

• On September 26, 2024, the Canadian government paused LMIA processing for low-wage jobs in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates above 6%.

• Updated quarterly, with the next list update on April 4, 2025.

Best Practices to Increase CRS Score 

Federal Exceptions to the LMIA Suspension

Exemptions apply to:

• Food Security Sectors:

  • Primary Agriculture

  • Food Processing

  • Fish Processing

• Construction Jobs

• Healthcare Sector Jobs

Key Takeaways for Employers and Foreign Workers

1. Quebec has extended its LMIA suspension until November 30, 2025, now affecting Montreal and Laval.

2. Applies to jobs with wages below $27.47 per hour.

3. Employers in exempt industries (agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and healthcare) can still apply.

4. Federal government has also paused LMIA processing in high-unemployment areas, with industry-specific exceptions.

5. Quebec is actively managing temporary foreign worker numbers and international student admissions.

Conclusion

• Employers and foreign workers must stay updated on evolving LMIA policies.

• Businesses hiring temporary foreign workers should check alternative hiring options or ensure exemption eligibility.

• Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer can help navigate compliance and policy changes.