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.
Following the announcement that Quebec will cut international student enrolment by 20% 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 or target exempt sectors like agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following Quebec's evolving employment regulations, 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.
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.
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.