Quebec Announces Updated List for Expedited LMIA Applications

Quebec has revised the list of jobs that qualify for faster Labour Market Impact Assessment processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The new list took effect on February 24, 2026. The province now allows only 60 occupations to use the simplified process, down from 76 last year.

The change removes several information technology and engineering roles that previously qualified. Officials update this list every year. The current version will remain in place until February 23, 2027.

Quebec has also introduced a 30-day grace period. Employers can still apply under the old rules for occupations that no longer appear on the list until March 26, 2026.

Which Jobs Still Qualify?

The updated list covers a wide range of health care, construction, education, and skilled trade jobs. Eligible roles include general practitioners, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and specialists in surgery.

Several construction and trade positions remain eligible, such as electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, crane operators, welders, roofers, ironworkers, and sheet metal workers. Aircraft mechanics and electrical power line workers also appear on the list.

In education, elementary and secondary school teachers qualify for expedited processing. Early childhood educators and assistants also remain eligible, although only under specific job titles.

Some of these occupations also qualify for two-week LMIA processing under the Global Talent Stream.

Quebec has added three new occupations this year: specialists in surgery, electrical power line and cable workers, and aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors.

Jobs Removed From the List

The update removes several professional and technical occupations. Software engineers, software developers, database analysts, and information systems specialists no longer qualify for simplified processing. Mechanical engineers and chemical technologists have also lost eligibility.

Health-related roles such as veterinarians, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and physician assistants no longer appear on the list. Cooks, transport truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and telecommunications line installers also no longer qualify.

How the Program Works in Quebec

Quebec operates the Temporary Foreign Worker Program differently from other provinces. Under a special agreement with the federal government, the province holds greater authority over labour market decisions.

Employers who want to hire a foreign worker must apply for an LMIA and receive approval from both Quebec and Ottawa. Workers must first secure a Quebec Acceptance Certificate before applying for a federal work permit.

In 2026, Quebec plans to process between 43,400 and 63,700 Quebec Acceptance Certificates through the program.

Since December 2025, workers who have gained three years of work experience in Quebec and apply for a certificate must show spoken French ability at level NCLC 4. Quebec has granted a three-year grace period for foreign workers already in the province. Some workers, including those in agriculture, remain exempt from the language requirement.

What This Means for Employers and Workers

The updated list narrows access to faster processing and shifts the focus toward health care, skilled trades, and education. Employers in technology and certain engineering fields will now need to follow the standard LMIA process.

Both employers and foreign workers must review the updated list carefully before submitting applications.