In Quebec, the Ministry of Immigration annually releases an updated list of occupations eligible for simplified processing through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) system. This process is unique to Quebec, which operates independently from the rest of Canada in terms of its immigration policies, regulations, and programs for foreign nationals seeking residency in the predominantly French-speaking province.

Distinctions Between Quebec and the Rest of Canada Regarding LMIAs

Quebec’s autonomy in immigration policies necessitates involvement with the federal government for LMIA processing in the hiring of temporary foreign workers. Employers in Quebec are required to have their LMIA applications approved by both the provincial and federal governments. These applications must be submitted to both authorities simultaneously, and failure to do so results in immediate rejection.

Recent Changes in the List of Eligible Occupations for Simplified LMIA Processing

Over the last two years, the number of eligible job titles on Quebec’s list has increased significantly, now exceeding 300 compared to 181 in 2021. Furthermore, since November 16, 2022, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has adopted an updated 2021 version of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, ensuring that all LMIA applications are processed using the revised NOC 2021 system.

Quebec Facilitated LMIA Occupations List 2023

NOC code 2016	NOC code 2021	Occupation title (2016)
111	10010	CFOs
112	10011	Human Resources Managers
113	10012	Purchasing managers
121	10020	Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers
122	10021	Banking, credit and other investment managers
124	10022	Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
131	10030	Managers of telecommunications companies
211	20010	Engineering Services Managers
212	20011	Managers of Architecture and Science Services
213	20012	IT systems managers
311	30010	health care managers
422	40021	Principals and administrators of educational programs at the elementary and secondary levels (only for educational institutions designated and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education or another ministry or state agency)
0423 *	40030	Managers of Social and Community Services (only this title)
512	50011	Managers – Publishing, Film, Broadcasting and Performing Arts
513	50012	Directors of sports, recreation and fitness programs and services
601	60010	Corporate Sales Managers
631	60030	Restaurant and Food Service Managers
632	60031	Accommodation Services Managers
711	70010	Construction managers
712	70011	Home construction and renovation managers
731	70020	Transportation Managers
811	80010	Natural resources and fishing managers
911	90010	Manufacturing managers
912	90011	Utilities Managers
1111	11100	Financial auditors and accountants
1112	11101	Financial Analysts/Financial Analysts and Investment Analysts
1113	11103	Securities Agents, Investment Agents and Traders
1114 *	11102	Financial Planners and Financial Advisors (this designation only)
1121	11200	Human resources professionals
1122	11201	Business management consulting professionals
1123	11202	Professionals in advertising, marketing and public relations
1211	12010	Supervisors of office clerks and administrative support staff
1214	72025	Postal and courier service supervisors
1215	12013	Supervisors of supply chain coordination, tracking and scheduling staff
1221	13100	Administrative Officers
1222	12100	Executive Assistants
1223	12101	Human Resources and Recruitment Officers
1224	13101	Property management officers
1225	12102	Purchasing Agents
1226	12103	Conference and event planners
1241	13110	Administrative Assistants
1242	13111	Legal Administrative Assistants
1243	13112	Medical administrative assistants
1251	12110	Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related workers
1252	12111	Health Information Management Professionals
1253	12112	Records Management Technicians
1254	12113	Statistical Officers and Related Research Support Occupations
1311	12200	Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers

Eligibility Criteria for Simplified LMIA Processing in Quebec

Employers seeking to utilize Quebec’s simplified LMIA processing system must adhere to specific conditions:

Offer a Competitive Working Environment

Employers must provide a working environment comparable to that offered to Canadian citizens or permanent residents in a similar employment sector, including similar salaries and working conditions.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Employers must demonstrate that their business operates in Quebec, that the position meets financial and material conditions, and that the organization has not been convicted of any Section 99 offences as per Quebec’s immigration regulations.

Provide Health Insurance

Employers must offer free medical coverage to the hired worker until they are eligible for Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) coverage.

Eligibility Criteria for Low-Wage Positions

In addition to the general criteria, employers hiring for low-wage positions must provide or help workers find suitable and affordable housing, cover transportation costs, and provide health coverage equivalent to the RAMQ plan.

Ineligible Jobs for Simplified LMIA Processing

Certain job types are ineligible for simplified LMIA processing, including those occupied by temporary workers who exercise control over the business, those that fulfill the labor needs of third-party clients or public bodies instead of the employer, those that interfere with ongoing labor disputes, and those in industries deemed ineligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program under Chapter C-27 of Quebec’s Labour Code.

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