Quebec companies can now hire more temporary foreign workers

Alexandra Miekus
Published: January 11, 2022

A previously-announced measure allowing Quebec employers to recruit more temporary foreign workers took effect on January 10.

Quebec workplaces can now support staff of up to 20% temporary workers, up from 10%. The measure applies to business in the following specific sectors identified by Quebec:

  • Retail Trade excluding Food;
  • Accommodation and Food Services;
  • Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing;
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises and Administrative, Support and Other Services;
  • Health Care;
  • Forestry and Logging;
  • Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing;
  • Plastic and Rubber Product Manufacturing;
  • Wood Product Manufacturing.

Need Help with Work Permits? Contact Cohen Immigration Law for a Free Consultation

This measure is the latest in a series of initiatives implemented by the province to provide increased flexibility for Quebec employers hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

On December 6, 2021, Quebec announced that certain low-skilled and unskilled occupations (level D) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) were now exempt from the advertising and recruitment requirements of the TFWP.

On August 31, 2021, the government announced that temporary foreign workers who reside in Quebec and who have been selected by Quebec as skilled workers could apply for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to work for the employer of their choice while their application for permanent residence is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A new pathway is also expected to be created under the International Mobility Program (IMP), to be called IMP+, which may lead to 7,000 LMIA-exempt work permits being issued per year to CSQ holders who are abroad. The IMP+ will allow these individuals to speed up their arrival in Quebec to take up employment and help fill labour needs in key sectors.

These changes are part of a pilot project that runs until December 31, 2024, and is designed to increase the number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec businesses that face a critical need for employees.

Quebec ended 2021 with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.6%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 5.9% in December, close to its pre-pandemic level, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

How to Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker in Quebec

It is the employer's responsibility to initiate and complete the initial immigration process. Generally, an offer of employment is the first step in the recruitment process.

With the exception of occupations exempted from a Labour Market Impact Assessment, you will need an LMIA and a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for the prospective employee.

The employee will need to apply for a work permit from IRCC. To apply for a work permit, the worker will generally need documents such as a job offer letter, a contract, and a copy of the LMIA.

An LMIA is a document, provided by Employment and Social Development Canada, that allows a foreign national to be hired under the TFWP. A positive LMIA indicates that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for the proposed job.

Upon arrival in Canada, the foreign worker will need to report to the border services office to obtain a temporary work permit and then begin work.

Need Help with Work Permits? Contact Cohen Immigration Law for a Free Consultation

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Quebec announces proposed immigration plans for 2026 – 2029
The Quebec flag flying on top of a hill at sunset.
How to pick a Canadian school and program to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit
a group of new graduates celebrate at their graduation ceremony
New report shows downtrend of US temporary foreign workers in Canada
Five smiling workers around a table in an office environment, with two giving each other high-fives
Special work permits will be available for Manitoba PNP candidates
Clouds streaking across a vibrant blue sky at Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, as well as a body of water, trees, and large flat rocks.
Top Stories
Canada Revenue Agency makes it easier to for newcomers to access benefits
Canada ranked among top 10 countries for work-life balance
New Canada Strong Pass provides free entry to national parks, discounts at museums
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Canada Revenue Agency makes it easier to for newcomers to access benefits
Man sitting at a table using a laptop, while a woman embraces him from behind—both are smiling.
New Canada Strong Pass provides free entry to national parks, discounts at museums
The sunrise over Moraine Lake and the mountains hugging the shore in Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada).
Canada’s new immigration policies succeed in curbing population growth
A crowd of people crossing the street in downtown Toronto (Adelaide St. W) during rush hour.
One Canadian city among the most livable in the world, another no longer in top 10
An aerial view of the downtown Vancouver skyline at sunset, with mountains visible in the background and sailboats in the foreground.
Link copied to clipboard