Quebec has dramatically scaled back the list of occupations eligible for its Simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), cutting it from 267 to just 76. The move eliminates numerous positions, including those in management, mid-skill roles, and entry-level labor—specifically TEER categories 0, 4, and 5, which generally don’t require extensive formal education. The updated list now emphasizes critical sectors facing acute shortages, such as engineering, IT, healthcare, construction, and education. The simplified LMIA waives the standard requirement for employers to demonstrate recruitment efforts before hiring foreign workers for specific roles. This list is typically revised annually to reflect the province’s evolving labor market needs. These changes mean that some Quebec employers who previously relied on the streamlined process to hire or renew contracts for foreign workers may now encounter more stringent requirements, longer processing times, and will have to explore other immigration options.
My insight: This reduction reflects a broader trend in Canadian immigration policy towards limiting the number of foreign workers. Expect similar restrictions to be implemented at the federal level and across other provinces as Canada continues to tighten its immigration regulations.