It is important to know that Quebec simplified LMIA processing if different from the rest of Canada
- Quebec has its own occupations list partially because this province operates its immigration policies independently from the rest of Canada.
- Quebec must still involve the federal government in its processing of LMIAs as it relates to the hiring of temporary foreign workers.
- Quebec-based employers must have their LMIA applications approved by both the provincial and federal governments
- Quebec-based LMIA applicants must submit their applications, including all required documents, to both governments simultaneously and failure to do so will result in immediate rejection
Due to the province labour shortage in the last two years, the number of eligible jobs on Quebec’s list has grown by more than 100 occupations, now including over 300 total job titles.
All employers looking to use simplified LMIA processing to hire temporary foreign workers must adhere to the following these conditions:
- Their business exists in Quebec
- The position offered meets all the listed conditions (financial and material)
- The organization has not been convicted of any offences in the last 2 years
- The position offered meets legitimate labour needs
- The position offered does not negatively impact the province’s labour market
- Provide low-wage workers with coverage equivalent to the RAMQ plan until they are eligible for RAMQ coverage
- Provide or help hired workers find “suitable and affordable housing”
- Cover all round-trip transportation costs incurred by workers when travelling from their country to their place of work in Quebec
The employers in Quebec can issue offer of employment in the following 2 Categories to meet the eligibility for simplified processing LMIA:
- Low wage: When the hourly wage is less than the median in Quebec and is under $26.00
- High wage: When the hourly wage is more than the median in Quebec and is more than $26.00
