--- title: Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs description: Quebec tightens LMIA rules, extending low-wage job restrictions in Montreal and Laval. Learn how this impacts workers and employers. image: https://askaia.ca/hubfs/Quebec-Expands-LMIA-Suspension-Impacting-Low-Wage-Jobs.jpeg --- [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) - English - [Français](https://askaia.ca/fr/blogue/le-quebec-étend-la-suspension-des-eimt-pour-les-bas-salaires) [Log In](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Book a Demo Book a Demo Book a Demo - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) [Login](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Visa Questions?Ask Aïa Book a Demo # Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs [![Laurent Maisonnave](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-01-Portrait%20Laurent-mini.jpg?width=40&height=40&name=2024-01-Portrait%20Laurent-mini.jpg)](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/laurent-maisonnave) by [Laurent Maisonnave Co-Founder, AskAïa Laurent Maisonnave combines HR expertise with AI to streamline global mobility and compliance, creating practical tools that support both people and organizations.](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/laurent-maisonnave) 2 min read 3/1/25, 10:08 AM Updated : Apr 4, 2025 ![Quebec tightens LMIA rules, extending low-wage job restrictions in Montreal and Laval. Learn how this impacts workers and employers. ](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Quebec-Expands-LMIA-Suspension-Impacting-Low-Wage-Jobs.jpeg?width=600&height=600&name=Quebec-Expands-LMIA-Suspension-Impacting-Low-Wage-Jobs.jpeg) Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs 4:07 Quebec is tightening restrictions on low-wage foreign labor. The government has extended its suspension of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in Montreal until **November 30, 2025**, and will now apply the measure to Laval starting **March 3, 2025**. This policy shift aims to manage labor market pressures but raises concerns for employers and foreign workers. [![Check Your Fastest Path to PR](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/c1ff9017-3710-47a4-9100-5d49e38a86db.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/c1ff9017-3710-47a4-9100-5d49e38a86db) Following the announcement that [Quebec will cut international student enrolment by 20%](https://askaia.ca/blog/quebec-cuts-international-student-enrolment-by-20?hsLang=en) this week, the province is also tightening restrictions on low-wage foreign labor. For temporary foreign workers seeking low-wage jobs in Quebec, the latest changes create new challenges. With limited access to LMIA-based work permits, immigrants must [explore alternative pathways in Québec](https://askaia.ca/blog/top-3-immigration-programs-you-can-apply-for-in-quebec-right-now?hsLang=en) or target exempt sectors like agriculture, construction, and healthcare. ## Key Takeaways - **LMIA suspension extended:** The ban on low-wage LMIAs in Montreal now lasts until **November 30, 2025**. - **Laval now affected:** Starting **March 3, 2025**, the restriction expands to the **Laval region**. - **Jobs below $27.47/hour impacted:** Any position paying **below the median hourly wage** is affected. - **Exemptions apply:** Sectors like **agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and healthcare** remain open. ## Why is Quebec Expanding the LMIA Suspension? Quebec’s labor market is undergoing major shifts due to **increased immigration** and **tightened employment conditions**. The government argues that limiting access to low-wage foreign workers will: - Encourage employers to **hire locally** and improve working conditions. - Control **temporary foreign worker intake** to balance labor market needs. - Align with broader efforts to **prioritize economic immigration** over temporary work permits. The move reflects Quebec’s commitment to reducing dependency on low-wage foreign labor while maintaining pathways for skilled workers. ## How Does This Affect Foreign Workers? ### For Low-Wage Workers Seeking Jobs in Quebec If you were planning to work in **Montreal** or **Laval** in a low-wage role, your options will be limited unless your job falls into an exempted sector. [Employers will no longer be able to secure LMIAs for positions below the median wage](https://www.quebec.ca/entreprises-et-travailleurs-autonomes/administrer-gerer/embauche-gestion-personnel/recruter/embaucher-immigrant/embaucher-travailleur-etranger-temporaire/comprendre-autorisations). ### For Those Already in Quebec on a Work Permit - If your **work permit is expiring**, renewals might be difficult unless you work in an **exempt sector**. - Consider switching to **higher-paying roles** or transitioning to **permanent residency (PR)** through pathways like **Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)** or **Express Entry**. ## Impact on Employers in Montreal & Laval Following [Quebec's evolving employment regulations](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/quebec-immigration?hsLang=en), employers in non-exempt sectors will face challenges hiring foreign workers for **low-wage positions**. They must either: - **Increase wages** to meet the $27.47/hour threshold. - **Look for local hires**, which may be difficult in certain industries. - **Use exempt pathways** like hiring through the **Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)** for essential roles. This policy may **worsen labor shortages** in affected industries, particularly in hospitality, retail, and manufacturing. ## What Are the Best Alternatives for Immigrants? If you were planning to apply for a **low-wage LMIA job in Quebec**, consider these options: - **Apply for jobs in exempt sectors** like **agriculture, construction, healthcare, or food processing**. - **Seek employment in other provinces** where low-wage LMIAs are still allowed. - **Transition to PR programs** like **PEQ (for students or workers) or Express Entry** if eligible. Immigrants should **reassess their strategies** to ensure they meet the new requirements. ## What Should Immigrants Do Next? Quebec’s expansion of the LMIA suspension signals **tighter regulations** on temporary foreign workers in low-wage roles. If you’re impacted, **understanding your options is key**. Whether switching industries, increasing wages, or seeking PR, planning ahead is essential. **Not sure how this affects you?** Use **Aïa**, AskAïa’s immigration assistant, to [explore your best options today](https://askaia.ca/en/assessment-express-entry?hsLang=en). [![Find Out if You are Eligible for Express Entry Canada](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2) Topics: [Quebec Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/quebec-immigration) [LMIA](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/lmia) ![askaia-dahsboard-01](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/askaia-dahsboard-01.png?width=1746&height=959&name=askaia-dahsboard-01.png) #### Let’s get your demo started Book a demo Let’s get your demo started ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Act Now: Canada Widens Low-Wage LMIA Ban Across 26 CMAs](https://askaia.ca/blog/act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas?hsLang=en) ![act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas-](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas-.jpg?width=1200&height=1000&name=act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas-.jpg) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Act Now: Canada Widens Low-Wage LMIA Ban Across 26 CMAs At a Glance " \\n Effective July 11, 2025, low-wage LMIA applications are banned in 26 urban regions, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montre … 7/15/25, 12:00 PM Updated : Apr 4, 2025 3 min read [Ditch Spreadsheets: Why Compliance Tech Is Now Critical in Canada](https://askaia.ca/blog/ditch-spreadsheets-why-compliance-tech-is-now-critical-in-canada?hsLang=en) ![ditch-spreadsheets-why-compliance-tech-is-now-critical-in-canada-](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/ditch-spreadsheets-why-compliance-tech-is-now-critical-in-canada-.jpg?width=1200&height=1000&name=ditch-spreadsheets-why-compliance-tech-is-now-critical-in-canada-.jpg) [Immigration Workforce Solution](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-workforce-solution) ### Ditch Spreadsheets: Why Compliance Tech Is Now Critical in Canada Canadian employers are under growing scrutiny as immigration audits surge and documentation rules tighten. Old-school compliance methods, like Excel a … 7/25/25, 12:52 PM Updated : Apr 4, 2025 4 min read [LMIA File Prep 2025: Documents, Proof & Transition Plans Explained](https://askaia.ca/blog/lmia-file-prep-2025-documents-proof-transition-plans-explained?hsLang=en) ![lmia-file-prep-2025-documents-proof-transition-plans-explained-](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/lmia-file-prep-2025-documents-proof-transition-plans-explained-.jpg?width=1200&height=1000&name=lmia-file-prep-2025-documents-proof-transition-plans-explained-.jpg) [LMIA](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/lmia) ### LMIA File Prep 2025: Documents, Proof & Transition Plans Explained Posting the job is only half the LMIA battle. For HR teams, most rejections happen when the file is incomplete: missing documents, vague transition pl … 6/6/25, 11:00 AM Updated : Apr 4, 2025 3 min read ![askaia_logo-1](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg)   [Join us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/askaia-ca/) HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services?hsLang=en) Resources - [Compliance & Talent Blog](https://askaia.ca/blog) - [QEP FAQ](https://askaia.ca/en/en/faq-quebec-experience-program-qep?hsLang=en) [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us?hsLang=en) - [About AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/blog/about-askaia?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://askaia.ca/pa/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Disclaimer](https://admis.ca/disclaimer) - [Terms of Service](https://admis.ca/en/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://admis.ca/en/privacy-policy) © 2026 ASKAÏA - All rights reserved. Powered by Admis Technologies Inc. - 5255 Avenue Decelles, Suite 5.200, Montreal, QC H3T 2B1   AskAïa is an AI-powered platform built to simplify and automate global mobility and immigration compliance for employers and international talent. Our user-friendly solution helps organizations manage work permits, renewals, and HR compliance with up-to-date insights based on current Canadian immigration rules. While AskAïa provides information and automated guidance through AI, it does not replace professional legal advice. For case-specific questions or complex immigration matters, consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant. 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