Quebec Extends Low-Wage LMIA Ban in Montreal to 2026
Quebec Extends Freeze on Low-Wage LMIA Applications in Montreal and Laval Until End of 2026
Quebec has officially extended its moratorium on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in the Montreal and Laval regions—a move that will continue to affect both employers and foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Originally set to expire in late 2025, the suspension will now remain in place until December 31, 2026. This means employers in these areas cannot hire or renew work permits for low-wage foreign workers, unless they meet one of several outlined exemptions.
Key Highlights
- Low-wage LMIA application freeze extended in Montreal and Laval until December 31, 2026
- Applies to jobs paying under $34.62/hour, the province’s low-wage threshold
- Facilitated LMIAs and renewals also affected
- Exemptions apply for specific sectors and higher-wage jobs
- Part of broader federal efforts to manage temporary immigration levels
- Other regions in Canada also facing similar LMIA restrictions
What’s Behind Quebec’s Extended LMIA Freeze?
As of August 2024, Quebec put a temporary hold on issuing and renewing LMIAs for low-wage jobs in the two major regions of Montreal and Laval. This measure was originally expected to run until November 2025—but now, it’s been extended by another full year, giving us a new end date of December 31, 2026.
The LMIA is a key requirement for employers looking to hire temporary foreign workers. A positive or neutral LMIA shows that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian labour market. Without it, a foreign national can’t get a work permit under the TFWP.
This extension means employers hiring for jobs that pay less than $34.62/hour—the threshold for low-wage roles in Quebec—are effectively blocked from accessing the TFWP in Montreal and Laval.
Who’s Affected by the LMIA Freeze?
Simply put, any employer in Montreal or Laval looking to hire for a low-wage position through the TFWP is affected. The policy also blocks:
- New LMIA applications under the low-wage stream
- Renewals of existing work permits for low-wage foreign workers
- Facilitated LMIAs—a streamlined process normally available to Quebec employers hiring for high-demand roles
Facilitated LMIA applications usually skip the recruitment advertising requirement, but under this freeze, they’re still not being processed for low-wage jobs in the affected regions.
Which Areas Are Covered?
The freeze applies to all municipalities within the administrative regions of Montreal and Laval, including:
- Montreal
- Laval
- Westmount
- Baie-D’Urfé
- Beaconsfield
- Côte-Saint-Luc
- Dollard-des-Ormeaux
- Dorval
- Hampstead
- Kirkland
- Dorval Island
- East Montreal
- Montreal West
- Mount Royal
- Pointe-Claire
- Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- Senneville
Exemptions: Who Can Still Apply?
Not every job or sector falls under the moratorium. There are several key exemptions that allow certain employers and workers to continue applying or renewing their work permits.
General Exemptions
- Jobs outside the Montreal and Laval regions
- Jobs offering wages at or above the federal high-wage threshold
- Applications tied to a Temporary Selection for Quebec (TSS) already approved
- LMIAs submitted before September 3, 2024
Exempt Sectors
Several industries are exempt from the freeze due to their essential nature or ongoing labour shortages:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Food Processing
- Education
- Health and Social Services
- Home Healthcare Providers (for medical and some childcare needs)
For a full list of exempt occupations, be sure to check Quebec’s official resources on temporary foreign workers.
Canada-Wide Low-Wage LMIA Freezes
Quebec isn’t acting alone here. In fact, this move aligns with a federal initiative to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, particularly in cities where unemployment is high.
The Government of Canada has implemented similar restrictions in 32 metropolitan areas across the country. As of now, LMIAs for low-wage positions will not be processed in these areas if the local unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
Unlike Quebec’s fixed extension through 2026, the federal list is updated quarterly by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), based on economic conditions in each region. While Quebec’s freeze will run until the end of 2026, other provinces have only confirmed restrictions until January 6, 2026 for now.
Why Does This Matter?
This extended moratorium is part of a broader effort to balance Canada’s immigration levels with housing availability and labour market demands. While the TFWP has played a major role in supporting Canadian industries, policymakers are now taking a more targeted approach—prioritizing high-demand, high-wage jobs, and essential services.
For employers in Quebec’s affected regions, this means it’s time to rethink hiring strategies—possibly by focusing on higher-wage roles, targeting exempt sectors, or exploring other immigration streams like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
For foreign nationals, it’s a reminder of the importance of staying up to date on immigration policy changes and seeking out opportunities in exempt sectors or regions.
Final Thoughts
The temporary freeze on low-wage LMIAs in Montreal and Laval highlights the evolving nature of Canada’s immigration landscape. If you’re an employer hoping to hire foreign talent—or a worker planning to come to Quebec—it’s critical to understand how these changes affect your plans.
Need help navigating your options? Whether you’re considering an application under a different category or wondering about your eligibility, we’ve got resources to guide you. You can also use our Manitoba PNP points calculator to explore other provincial nominee programs.
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