Quebec has extended its freeze on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in Montreal and Laval until December 31, 2026. Employers in these regions cannot apply for or renew Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permits for jobs paying below $34.62/hour.
The moratorium, first introduced in August 2024, also covers facilitated LMIA applications and renewals for existing workers.
Exemptions apply to jobs outside Montreal and Laval, high-wage positions, applications filed before September 3, 2024, and select roles in agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and healthcare. For a full list of exempt occupations, visit Quebec's dedicated web pages.
The move aligns with federal measures limiting low-wage TFWP use in areas with unemployment above 6%, as part of efforts to reduce temporary resident levels nationwide.
