The Low-Wage Work Permit Moratorium Explained

What does the extension of the LMIA moratorium mean for you?
Work Permits Quebec Immigration LMIA Montreal jobs Laval jobs

Imagine this: You’re ready to embark on a new adventure, perhaps moving to the vibrant regions of Montreal or Laval. Your dreams of working in Canada feel closer than ever, and then, you hear the news about a pause on work permits under the low-wage stream. What does this mean for you?

Quebec has extended the moratorium on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) until December 31, 2026. This means that if you're looking for work in these busy cities and your desired position pays less than $34.62/hour, you might need to rethink your strategy. But here's the thing: not all hope is lost!

This freeze applies to LMIA applications for all jobs below the low-wage threshold and includes renewals for temporary foreign workers already in these regions. So, what are your options? Thankfully, some sectors are exempt, like Agriculture, Construction, Food Processing, and Health Services. Picture this: you could still find opportunities in these fields.

  • Jobs outside Montreal and Laval regions
  • Positions with wages at or above the federal high-wage threshold
  • Exempt sectors like healthcare and education

Here’s the exciting part: if you’re considering roles in those exempted areas, you could still pursue your dreams without getting caught up in the moratorium! And get this, the federal government has similar measures that apply across Canada, but Quebec’s timeline is a bit longer, so you have time to plan!

So, take a deep breath. While this may feel overwhelming, there are still paths forward. Stay informed, explore your options, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Your future in Canada is waiting, and who knows? It might just turn out to be the opportunity you’ve been dreaming of!

Comments (4)

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Chris Taylor
2025-11-08 18:00

Thanks for breaking this down! The explanation about how the moratorium affects different industries really helped clarify where I might stand with my application. I was worried about missing out on opportunities in Montreal, but now I feel more informed about my options!

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Lisa Patel
2025-11-08 18:00

Wow, this is super helpful! The explanation about how the moratorium impacts different industries really cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I was worried about what this meant for my plans, but now I feel more prepared to navigate my options. Thanks for laying it all out so clearly!

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Emma Rodriguez
2025-11-08 18:00

Thanks for breaking this down! The explanation regarding the impact of the moratorium on low-wage work permits really helped clarify how it affects future applicants like me. I appreciate the insights on potential pathways and alternatives—it gives me some hope as I plan my move!

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Anna Nguyen
2025-11-08 18:00

Thank you so much for breaking down the low-wage work permit moratorium! Your explanation about how it impacts applicants really cleared up my confusion about my next steps. I feel much more prepared to navigate this process now—definitely sharing this with my friends who are also looking to move to Canada!

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