This week, Quebec made major changes affecting temporary foreign workers and international students. The province expanded LMIA suspensions for low-wage jobs and cut international student enrolment by 20%. But if you want to stay in Quebec, you still have options.
Quebec has extended its suspension of LMIAs for low-wage jobs in Montreal until November 2025 and expanded the restriction to Laval starting March 2025. This means employers in non-exempt sectors must now pay at least $27.47/hour or recruit local talent instead. For foreign workers, it’s becoming harder to secure jobs in these regions unless they qualify for exempt industries like agriculture, construction, or healthcare.
For those affected, alternative options include switching to higher-wage jobs or exploring permanent residency pathways. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) remains a strong option for those with local work experience. See how this policy affects workers in Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs.
International students looking to study in Quebec will now face tighter admission caps. The government announced a 20% reduction in enrolment, mainly impacting private colleges. Universities have kept their quotas, but competition is expected to rise. This move aligns with Quebec’s effort to regulate student immigration and curb diploma mills.
If you’re a student affected by this, you can explore study options in other provinces or focus on pathways like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can lead to PR. Learn more about the changes in Quebec Cuts International Student Enrolment by 20%.
Despite these changes, there are still strong pathways to permanent residency in Quebec:
Quebec’s new restrictions make temporary stays tougher, but permanent pathways remain open. If you’re affected, now is the time to secure a stable immigration status before more policy shifts. Explore your best options with AskAïa today.
The federal government has cut Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration spaces by half, reducing its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations. This impacts sectors like healthcare, which rely on international talent. The province is negotiating adjustments and shifting to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage applications effectively.
Mandela Kuet, a former refugee from South Sudan, is transforming Winnipeg’s North End by uniting Indigenous and newcomer communities. Through The Hood Fams and Real Talk Winnipeg, he mentors at-risk youth and fosters cultural understanding. His work highlights how immigrants drive social change, building stronger, more inclusive communities.