Maple News reports that Quebec has extended its moratorium on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for another year. Originally set to expire on November 30, 2025, the freeze will now remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
This extended pause applies to LMIA applications for low-wage positions in Quebec’s Montreal and Laval regions. Specifically, it affects all roles where the hourly wage falls below the current provincial threshold of $34.62. Without a positive or neutral LMIA, employers are unable to hire temporary foreign workers through the TFWP, nor can current workers in these areas renew their permits if they fall under the low-wage stream.
The freeze includes both regular LMIA applications and those submitted through Quebec’s facilitated LMIA process. The facilitated stream typically allows employers to bypass certain recruitment requirements, streamlining applications for high-demand occupations. However, the current moratorium also halts applications through this pathway when wages are below the low-wage threshold.
Some exceptions remain in place. Select industries and essential roles continue to be exempt from the pause, though these details are managed on a case-by-case basis by provincial and federal authorities.
The policy is a result of ongoing efforts by the Quebec government to rebalance the labour market and prioritize hiring local talent for lower-wage jobs. As the province grapples with workforce challenges, it aims to manage reliance on temporary foreign labour more strategically, especially in urban centres where employment competition remains high.
Employers in affected regions are urged to seek alternative recruitment strategies or pivot to hiring for higher-wage positions that fall outside the scope of the freeze. Meanwhile, foreign workers already in Quebec may find it increasingly difficult to maintain or extend their legal working status under this stream.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in Quebec’s immigration and labour policies, which remain a key focus in the province’s broader economic and social planning.