Maple News reports that Quebec has released its updated list of occupations eligible for simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing—a key development for employers in the province looking to hire temporary foreign workers without facing the full administrative burden of regular LMIA procedures.
Each year, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration updates this list to reflect evolving labour market needs. In contrast to other provinces, Quebec manages its own immigration programs under a separate agreement with the federal government. However, employers in Quebec must still apply for LMIA approval from both provincial and federal authorities simultaneously. Failure to do so leads to automatic rejection.
An LMIA is a crucial document that demonstrates hiring a temporary foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s labour market. It is typically required for most work permit applications and shows that there are no suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents available for the job.
The 2023 version of Quebec’s simplified LMIA list includes over 300 occupations—up from 181 in 2021—a notable increase that reflects the province’s ongoing labour shortages in sectors such as health care, construction, manufacturing, and IT. Importantly, this list only applies to salaried employees, not self-employed workers.
As of November 16, 2022, all LMIA applications are assessed using the updated National Occupation Classification system (NOC 2021), aligning with the latest job market data and better reflecting job duties and educational requirements.
This revised list streamlines the process for eligible employers, allowing them to bypass certain steps such as advertising requirements. It’s aimed at speeding up the timeline to get needed talent into Quebec’s workforce more efficiently.
According to Maple News, Quebec’s move to expand its simplified LMIA list demonstrates its commitment to balancing immigration facilitation with provincial autonomy, supporting employers while addressing persistent workforce gaps.
Employers seeking to benefit from the simplified LMIA pathway should consult the list of eligible occupations and ensure they meet the joint federal-provincial submission requirements. Staying compliant with evolving regulations remains critical for successful recruitment practices in Quebec.