Quebec Extends Suspension of Low-Wage LMIA Processing, Expands to Laval
In a recent development, the province of Quebec has decided to extend the suspension of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for an additional nine months. The extension, announced by Jean-François Roberge, the Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration, will keep the suspension in effect until November 30, 2025.
This extension also expands the suspension to include Laval, adding to the previously affected Montreal region. This move comes after the province’s initial six-month suspension, which began in September 2024 and was set to end on March 3, 2025.
Table of Contents
- Background of the Suspension
- Impact of the Suspension on Employers
- Exceptions to the Suspension
- Recent Immigration Changes in Quebec
- Federal Government’s Response
- Looking Ahead: Future LMIA Processing in Quebec
1. Background of the Suspension
Quebec first announced the suspension of low-wage LMIA applications for specific regions in Montreal back in August 2024, citing the need to address issues surrounding labor market conditions. Initially set to last for six months, this suspension was intended to end on March 3, 2025. However, with rising concerns about labor shortages and local employment, the province has decided to extend and broaden the measure.
2. Impact of the Suspension on Employers
Starting March 3, 2025, the suspension will cover all low-wage positions (those with wages below $27.47 CAD per hour) located in both Montreal and Laval. Employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers for these positions will not be able to submit LMIA applications during this period. If such applications are submitted, they will not be processed.
Employers in affected regions should carefully assess their staffing needs and plan accordingly to avoid delays in hiring foreign workers.
3. Exceptions to the Suspension
While this suspension is broad, there are key exceptions that employers should be aware of. The following sectors are exempt from the LMIA suspension:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Food Processing
- Education
- Healthcare and Social Services
Additionally, any LMIA applications that were submitted before September 3, 2024, or those that have already been approved, will not be affected by this suspension.
4. Recent Immigration Changes in Quebec
This is part of a series of significant changes to Quebec’s immigration policies. On February 27, 2025, the province also announced a cap on the number of international student applications, marking a shift in how Quebec plans to manage its immigration levels. The province has also indicated that it will take temporary resident admissions targets into account during its upcoming Immigration Levels Plan for 2025.
Over the past year, Quebec has implemented several measures that have impacted prospective immigrants, international students, and workers, reflecting the province’s evolving stance on immigration.
5. Federal Government’s Response
The federal government of Canada has also followed suit by pausing the processing of low-wage LMIAs in certain regions. As of September 2024, the Canadian government suspended LMIA processing in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate exceeds 6%.
This pause applies to the low-wage stream of the TFWP, with some exceptions made for sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare. The federal government updates its list of affected CMAs quarterly, with the next update expected in April 2025.
6. Looking Ahead: Future LMIA Processing in Quebec
As the situation evolves, Quebec’s decision to extend and expand its suspension raises questions about the future of LMIA processing and labor market policies in the province. Employers and workers alike will need to stay informed about any further changes to avoid disruptions in the hiring process.
The ongoing suspension of low-wage LMIA processing reflects Quebec’s focus on adjusting its immigration and labor policies to address local needs and economic conditions. For now, employers in Montreal and Laval must look for alternative workforce solutions until the suspension is lifted in late 2025.
This recent move by Quebec, along with similar measures at the federal level, marks a critical shift in the approach to immigration and labor market integration in the province. As Quebec continues to adjust its policies, businesses will need to stay up to date with the changes to ensure compliance and avoid delays in their hiring processes.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
