{"id":1807,"date":"2015-07-31T20:57:28","date_gmt":"2015-07-31T20:57:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immigrationca.staging.wpengine.com\/2015\/07\/31\/the-quebec-lmia-application-process\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:34:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T16:34:59","slug":"the-quebec-lmia-application-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/the-quebec-lmia-application-process\/","title":{"rendered":"The Quebec LMIA Application Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/quebec-immigration-overview\/\">Quebec<\/a> has unique rules for hiring temporary foreign workers. Employers often need a<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/labour-market-impact-assessments-lmia-in-canada\/\"> Labour Market Impact Assessment<\/a> (LMIA) and must submit applications to both the federal government and Quebec\u2019s immigration ministry. In some cases, eligible workers with Quebec ties can be hired without an LMIA. This guide explains the paths, the paperwork, and the special measures that currently apply in Montreal, Laval and other parts of the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On This Page You Will Find<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who needs an LMIA in Quebec and when an exemption applies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How unnamed LMIAs and ARRIMA work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current refusals to process low\u2011wage LMIAs in Montreal, Laval and CMAs with 6%+ unemployment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitated LMIA process and wage streams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quebec\u2011specific forms, French\u2011language rules and simultaneous submissions to MIFI and ESDC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritised occupations list for Quebec<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Primary agriculture advertising suspension through 31 December 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steps for employers and foreign workers, plus LMIA revocation and collective agreement notes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FAQ on processing, refusals and worker categories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) The Basics: Quebec and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/canada-work-visa\/\"> Temporary Foreign Worker Program<\/a> (TFWP) lets employers fill short\u2011term gaps when no qualified Canadians are available. In Quebec, most hires require an LMIA. Key Quebec differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit the LMIA to Service Canada and <strong>simultaneously<\/strong> to Quebec\u2019s Minist\u00e8re de l\u2019Immigration, de la Francisation et de l\u2019Int\u00e9gration (MIFI).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All Quebec LMIA applications and supporting documents must be in French. Choose French in LMIA Online before you start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For hires over 30 consecutive days, simultaneous submission to ESDC and MIFI is mandatory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High\u2011wage vs low\u2011wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At or above Quebec\u2019s wage threshold \u2192 high\u2011wage stream requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Below Quebec\u2019s wage threshold \u2192 low\u2011wage stream requirements and caps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collective agreements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the job is covered by a collective agreement, you must pay the agreed rate, extend equivalent benefits to TFWs, and ensure hiring won\u2019t adversely affect any labour dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Submitting Unnamed LMIAs via ARRIMA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers can submit <strong>unnamed<\/strong> LMIA applications in Quebec through MIFI\u2019s ARRIMA platform (with some exceptions). Service Canada will assess unnamed applications and may issue an unnamed LMIA if program requirements are met. Once approved, employers match candidates later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Current Refusals to Process Low\u2011Wage LMIA Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CMAs with unemployment 6% or higher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From 26 September 2024, LMIAs <strong>below<\/strong> the provincial wage threshold in any CMA with an unemployment rate of 6%+ won\u2019t be processed, subject to listed exemptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Montreal and Laval \u2013 temporary refusal windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Montreal<\/strong>: 3 September 2024 to 30 November 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laval<\/strong>: 3 March 2025 to 30 November 2025<br>During these periods, low\u2011wage LMIA applications below Quebec\u2019s wage threshold won\u2019t be processed for jobs located in these economic regions. If Montreal\u2019s CMA unemployment is 6%+ at the time, the broader 6%+ CMA rule also applies. Some exemptions may exist (for example, in\u2011home caregivers as specified).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications that meet refusal criteria are closed without a processing fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Quebec\u2011Specific Exemptions from the LMIA Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Quebec simplifies hiring for certain foreign workers already tied to the province. Employers <strong>do not<\/strong> need an LMIA if the worker:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has a valid work permit, <strong>and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holds a Quebec Skilled Worker CSQ, <strong>and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resides in Quebec, <strong>and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has applied for permanent residence under the Quebec Skilled Worker class, <strong>and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Falls into one of these categories:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extending work permit with current employer in Quebec<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Renewing work authorisation with a new employer in Quebec<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PGWP holder with a job offer in Quebec<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IEC participant extending with current employer or renewing with a new employer in Quebec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other federal LMIA or work\u2011permit exemptions may apply under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. If none apply, use the regular or facilitated LMIA processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Regular LMIA Process \u2013 Steps for Quebec Employers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the stream<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> Determine high\u2011wage or low\u2011wage based on Quebec\u2019s wage threshold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare the LMIA Online application<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> Complete the federal LMIA and compile all stream\u2011specific documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit in French to MIFI at the same time<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send a French copy of what you filed with ESDC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include all MIFI\u2011required documents (French only).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decision and CAQ<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> If approved by ESDC and MIFI, you will receive a joint confirmation letter and the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Provide both to the worker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Worker applies to IRCC<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> The worker applies for a work permit with IRCC using the confirmation letter and CAQ.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LMIA revocation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the work permit is issued, an LMIA may be revoked if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The application contained false or misleading information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New facts would have changed the original labour\u2011market assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The opinion was based on a material mistake of fact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Facilitated LMIA Process in Quebec<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MIFI and ESDC streamline LMIAs for selected <strong>specialised occupations<\/strong> (updated each year on <strong>24 February<\/strong>). Employers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not<\/strong> need to provide proof of recruitment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must still apply under high\u2011wage or low\u2011wage streams according to the wage offered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For low\u2011wage facilitated LMIAs, the <strong>cap<\/strong> on low\u2011wage positions applies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employment duration: up to 3 years (1 year for low\u2011wage), longer only in exceptional cases with rationale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transition plans<\/strong>: required for all high\u2011wage facilitated LMIAs from the <strong>second<\/strong> application onward for the same occupation at the same location (first application is exempt).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> The separate \u201crefusal to process\u201d rules for low\u2011wage positions and for Montreal\/Laval <strong>supersede<\/strong> facilitated lists where applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7) Prioritised Occupations in Quebec<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These occupations are currently prioritised. Roles marked with * are also <strong>exempt from minimum recruitment requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>31100* \u2013 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31101* \u2013 Specialists in surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31102* \u2013 General practitioners and family physicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31120* \u2013 Pharmacists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31301* \u2013 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31302* \u2013 Nurse practitioners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31303* \u2013 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32101* \u2013 Licensed practical nurses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32103* \u2013 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32109* \u2013 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32120* \u2013 Medical laboratory technologists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32124* \u2013 Pharmacy technicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>32129* \u2013 Other medical technologists and technicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>33101* \u2013 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>33102* \u2013 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>33103* \u2013 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>33109* \u2013 Other assisting occupations in support of health services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>41200 \u2013 University professors and lecturers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>41210 \u2013 College and other vocational instructors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>41220 \u2013 Secondary school teachers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>41221 \u2013 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>42202 \u2013 Early childhood educators and assistants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>43100 \u2013 Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>45100 \u2013 Student monitors, crossing guards and related occupations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>63201 \u2013 Butchers \u2013 Retail and wholesale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>65202 \u2013 Meat cutters and fishmongers \u2013 Retail and wholesale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>65310* \u2013 Light\u2011duty cleaners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>82030* \u2013 Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>84120* \u2013 Specialised livestock workers and farm machinery operators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>85100* \u2013 Livestock labourers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>85101* \u2013 Harvesting labourers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>85103* \u2013 Nursery and greenhouse labourers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>94141 \u2013 Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>94142 \u2013 Fish and seafood plant workers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>95106 \u2013 Labourers in food, beverage and associated products processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>95107 \u2013 Labourers in fish and seafood processing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If a NOC is also on Quebec\u2019s annual facilitated list, the facilitated LMIA rules apply in addition to any priority handling.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8) Primary Agriculture \u2013 Advertising Suspension Until 31 December 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>primary agriculture<\/strong> LMIAs filed 12 January 2022 through 31 December 2025, minimum advertising requirements are <strong>suspended<\/strong>. Employers should still try to recruit Canadians and permanent residents, but do not need to meet TFWP minimum advertising or submit proof with the LMIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9) Steps for Foreign Workers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If LMIA is required<\/strong>: Wait for the employer\u2019s ESDC\/MIFI approvals and CAQ, then apply to IRCC for the work permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If LMIA\u2011exempt under Quebec rules<\/strong>: Confirm you meet the CSQ + residence + PR\u2011file conditions and fall in an eligible category (extension, new employer in Quebec, PGWP with job offer, or IEC extension\/renewal). Apply to IRCC with supporting evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biometrics and admissibility<\/strong>: Meet IRCC\u2019s biometrics, medical (if applicable) and admissibility requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10) Practical Tips and Pitfalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Language<\/strong>: File <strong>everything<\/strong> to MIFI in French.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Simultaneous filing<\/strong>: Send applications to ESDC and MIFI at the same time for jobs over 30 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Region rules<\/strong>: Check refusal\u2011to\u2011process rules before filing low\u2011wage LMIAs in Montreal or Laval, or in CMAs with 6%+ unemployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wage compliance<\/strong>: Offer wages consistent with local rates; misalignment leads to negative LMIA decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cap awareness<\/strong>: Low\u2011wage positions are subject to caps \u2013 plan headcount accordingly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revocation risk<\/strong>: Be accurate and complete; new facts or errors can trigger LMIA revocation pre\u2011permit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757521545615\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">1) Can I hire without an LMIA in Quebec if my candidate already has a CSQ?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, if the worker lives in Quebec, holds a valid work permit, has applied for PR under the Quebec Skilled Worker class, and is extending with the same employer, moving to a new Quebec employer, is on a PGWP with a job offer, or is an IEC participant extending or renewing. Otherwise, you likely need an LMIA.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757521552184\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">2) What is the difference between regular and facilitated LMIA in Quebec?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The facilitated process targets specialised, in\u2011demand jobs and waives recruitment proof, but you still follow high\u2011wage or low\u2011wage rules and caps. The list updates each 24 February. The regular process applies to other jobs and needs full recruitment steps. Refusal\u2011to\u2011process rules can still override either route.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757521557517\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">3) Why was my low\u2011wage Montreal LMIA not processed?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Between 3 September 2024 and 30 November 2025 in Montreal, and 3 March to 30 November 2025 in Laval, Service Canada will not process low\u2011wage LMIAs below Quebec\u2019s wage threshold for jobs in those regions, subject to limited exemptions. If the Montreal CMA unemployment is 6%+, the broader CMA refusal rules may also apply.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757521563317\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">4) How long can Quebec LMIA\u2011based work last?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Under the facilitated process, work authorisation can be granted for up to 3 years (low\u2011wage typically up to 1 year). Duration must reflect real business needs, with extensions possible in limited, well\u2011justified cases. Regular LMIAs follow stream rules and business need as assessed by ESDC and MIFI.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1757521570491\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \">5) What could cause an LMIA to be revoked before the worker gets the permit?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>An LMIA can be revoked if the application contained false or misleading details, if new facts would have changed the labour\u2011market opinion, or if there was a material mistake of fact. Accurate filings, consistent wages and adherence to Quebec\u2019s French\u2011language and simultaneous\u2011submission rules help manage this risk.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to get a Quebec work permit \u2013 LMIA, facilitated process, exemptions, ARRIMA, priority jobs, and current refusals to process in Montreal and Laval.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":481,"featured_media":141519,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[198],"tags":[78348,78351,78350,2663,78349,2661,2662,57409],"class_list":["post-1807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-c210-canadian-work-permit","tag-facilitated-lmia-quebec","tag-hire-temporary-foreign-workers","tag-lmia-quebec","tag-lmias-for-high-wage-positions-in-quebec","tag-mifi-requirements","tag-quebec-lmia-application-process","tag-quebec-lmia-process","tag-quebec-work-permit","category-198","description-off"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/481"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1807"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1807\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}