International recruitment remains a real solution for positions the Quebec labour market cannot fill. But since 2024, Ottawa and Quebec have tightened the rules of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). An employer who starts the process today without knowing about these changes risks losing months on an application that could never succeed.
Here is what you need to know before submitting an application in 2026.
Low wage or high wage: the distinction that changes everything
To hire a temporary foreign worker, most employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. In Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) is also required.
The wage offered determines the stream of the application. Below Quebec's wage threshold, the position falls under the low-wage stream. At or above the threshold, it falls under the high-wage stream. This threshold is revised every year. Check it on the ESDC website before setting the wage: a position can move from one stream to the other after an update.
The low-wage stream is the one that has been restricted the most.
The main rules currently in effect
Montréal and Laval: LMIA applications for low-wage positions located on the island of Montréal or in Laval are not being processed until December 31, 2026. Certain sectors remain eligible, including agriculture, construction, food and beverage manufacturing, primary and secondary education, health care and social assistance, and child care centres.
High-unemployment regions: since September 26, 2024, low-wage applications are not processed in census metropolitan areas where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. The list is updated every quarter.
Cap: the proportion of low-wage foreign workers is limited to 10% of a workplace's workforce, and to 20% in certain sectors.
Duration: a work permit tied to a low-wage LMIA is limited to 12 months.
Francization: Quebec businesses with 25 or more employees must demonstrate compliance with the francization process in order to obtain an LMIA.
Workers' French: after three years in Quebec, a worker must demonstrate knowledge of spoken French to renew their CAQ, according to a schedule set by MIFI.
These rules change often. Before taking any steps, consult the ESDC page for Quebec employers and the Government of Quebec page on the authorizations required.
What options are available to you?
The high-wage stream
For skilled positions, the high-wage stream avoids most of the restrictions affecting low-wage positions: no suspension in Montréal and Laval, no 10% cap. If the position is close to the threshold, a wage adjustment may move it into this stream, taking pay equity within your company into account.
Simplified processing
For certain occupations deemed to be in shortage in Quebec, the simplified processing list exempts the employer from demonstrating its recruitment efforts. This list is updated regularly.
Permits without an LMIA
Some candidates can work without an LMIA: holders of an open work permit, participants in International Experience Canada, or people covered by international agreements. Recruiting a candidate who is already in Canada is often faster.
The regions
A position located outside Montréal and Laval, in a region where the unemployment rate is below 6%, may remain eligible for the low-wage stream.
The steps of international recruitment
Analyze the position: wage stream, eligibility based on region and sector, francization requirements.
Recruit and select: interviews, verification of diplomas and experience, assessment of French proficiency.
Prepare the applications: LMIA, CAQ, then work permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Prepare for arrival: housing, registration for services, welcoming and integration into the team.
Work permit processing times are set by IRCC and change regularly. Consult IRCC's current processing times to plan your worker's arrival.
How 2AF can help
2AF Solutions RH verifies your position's eligibility, recruits and selects candidates, prepares the LMIA and permit applications, then supports the worker's arrival and integration. 2AF holds foreign worker recruitment licence AR-2303085.
Recru2af.com brings together candidates from Quebec and abroad, including newcomers already in Canada. It is often the fastest route when the low-wage stream is closed in your region.
Yenilik automates repetitive exchanges with candidates, such as questions about the documents to provide or reminders about next steps, so your team can focus on human follow-up.
Considering recruiting abroad? Tell us about your position: we will check whether it is eligible and present the options suited to your situation.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TFWP rules change frequently: always verify the information with ESDC, IRCC and MIFI. Last verified: October 2026.