Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Positions in QC
QC, Canada
Skilled foreign workers for Quebec companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
When qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available, access a pool of foreign workers you can hire on a temporary basis, through one of the program's specialized talent streams. You may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment to
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec include activities related to hiring temporary foreign workers for specific job categories with exemptions from certain recruitment requirements and streamlined processes.
- Submitting unnamed LMIA applications through the ARRIMA platform
- Hiring for TEER 5 occupations without proof of recruitment efforts
- Applying through the facilitated LMIA process for TEER 4 occupations
- Renewing work authorization for foreign students with post-graduation work permits
- Extending or renewing work permits for employees under the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$4,500
Montreal
Hiring software developers under the International Experience Canada initiative.
$6,000
Leamington
Recruiting farm workers for a seasonal agricultural project.
$7,500
Whistler
Recruiting hospitality staff for a new hotel in Whistler.
$5,000
Toronto
Hiring IT support specialists for a tech startup in Toronto.
$7,000
Winnipeg
Employing construction workers for a new development project in Winnipeg.
$3,500
Vancouver
Hiring marketing specialists under the International Experience Canada initiative in Vancouver.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary jobs when qualified Canadians are not available. To hire foreign workers in Quebec through the TFWP, employers need to meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Submit LMIA applications simultaneously to Service Canada and MIFI
- All applications must be submitted in French
- Comply with the format required by the provincial government (MIFI)
- Employers must continue to make efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Applications for TEER 5 occupations are exempt from proof of recruitment efforts
- Applications in the low-wage stream for the facilitated process are exempt from the cap proportion of low-wage positions
- Work permits and eligibility criteria for specific situations, including extending work permits and post-graduation work permits, as detailed by MIFI
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant in Quebec include:
- Companies that require temporary foreign workers to fill positions when qualified Canadians are not available
- Employers in Quebec who meet the program requirements outlined by the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Employers can claim expenses related to the recruitment and hiring of temporary foreign workers, including advertising costs, LMIA application fees, and related administrative expenses.
- Advertising costs for recruiting temporary foreign workers
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application fees
- Administrative expenses related to the hiring process
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant are limited to the province of Quebec. Employers must coordinate with both Service Canada and Quebec's MIFI when submitting their LMIA applications.
- Province of Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are no explicit evaluation and selection criteria mentioned for this program in the provided information. For further guidance on criteria, please refer to the corresponding sections on the government websites associated with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine if you need an LMIA
- Review the occupation and position to confirm if a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
- Step 2: Prepare and submit LMIA application
- Submit a simultaneous application to Service Canada and Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI).
- Ensure the application is completed in French.
- Follow the format required by the provincial government for submissions to MIFI.
- Step 3: Use ARRIMA platform (if applicable)
- Leverage the ability to submit unnamed LMIA applications through the ARRIMA platform, as per the new guidelines effective December 11, 2023.
- Step 4: Collect and submit required documents
- Gather necessary documentation, such as proof of recruitment efforts (if applicable) and other supporting documents as required by Service Canada and MIFI.
- Step 5: Monitor application status and respond to requests for additional information
- Track the status of your application through the LMIA Online Portal and ARRIMA platform.
- Provide additional information promptly if requested by Service Canada or MIFI.
- Step 6: Receive unnamed LMIA (if applicable)
- If the application meets program requirements, an unnamed LMIA will be issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada.
- Step 7: Proceed with the hiring process
- Once the LMIA is approved, finalize the hiring of the temporary foreign worker and submit any further documentation as required.
- Step 8: Compliance with ongoing requirements
- Ensure ongoing compliance with regulations and requirements as set forth by TFWP, Government of Quebec, and Service Canada.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There are temporary measures and special instructions related to hiring temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
- Employers can submit unnamed LMIA applications for positions in Quebec through the ARRIMA platform as of December 11, 2023.
- Quebec requires LMIA applications to be submitted to both Service Canada and MIFI, and all applications must be in French.
- Quebec has a list of certain occupations under TEER 5 and TEER 4 of the NOC 2021 that are exempt from the recruitment efforts and low-wage cap proportion requirements, respectively.
- Applications for LMIAs in primary agriculture in Quebec are exempt from minimum advertising requirements until June 30, 2024.
- Employers in Quebec can avoid applying for an LMIA if they hire a TFW with a valid work permit who falls under specific categories outlined by MIFI.
Apply to this program
Summary of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) facilitates Canadian employers in Quebec to hire temporary foreign workers when qualified Canadians are not available. The program has special provisions, including the ability to submit unnamed Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications through the ARRIMA platform and exemptions from the LMIA process for certain categories of workers.
In-depth Guide to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) serves as a crucial mechanism for Canadian employers, particularly those in Quebec, to access international talent when local options are exhausted. Designed to address labor shortages, the TFWP ensures that employers can sustain their operations without disruption due to staffing challenges. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the TFWP in Quebec, detailing its requirements, benefits, and the processes involved.
Introduction to the TFWP
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program offers a pathway for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for temporary job roles that cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Employers must typically obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the necessity of hiring a foreign worker. This requirement underscores the program's commitment to prioritizing the Canadian labor market while still addressing critical gaps.
Special Instructions for Quebec Employers
As of December 11, 2023, Quebec employers benefit from unique provisions under the TFWP, notably the ability to submit unnamed LMIA applications. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for businesses facing urgent staffing needs or roles where specific candidates have not yet been identified. The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) facilitates this process through the ARRIMA platform, simplifying the application workflow.
Submission Requirements
For Quebec-specific LMIA applications, employers must adhere to several guidelines: 1. **Simultaneous Submission**: Employers must submit their LMIA applications to both Service Canada and MIFI concurrently. Failure to do so results in the application closure without a refund of the processing fee. 2. **French Language Requirement**: All applications must be completed and submitted in French. Employers can switch the LMIA Online Portal to French before filling out the application to meet this criterion. 3. **Format Compliance**: Applications must align with the format stipulated by the Quebec government. This ensures streamlined processing and reduces the likelihood of administrative delays.
Temporary Measures and Exemptions
Until February 23, 2025, Quebec employers continue to benefit from extended measures under the TFWP. These measures include exemptions from advertising and recruitment requirements for certain occupations classified under TEER 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. Despite these exemptions, employers are encouraged to make genuine efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before extending offers to foreign nationals. ### List of Exempt Occupations - **General Exemptions**: Includes roles such as food and beverage servers, light-duty cleaners, and nursery and greenhouse laborers. - **Specialized Exemptions**: Certain medical and educational professions, such as registered nurses, general practitioners, and elementary school teachers, are also prioritized and exempt from minimum recruitment requirements.
Facilitated Process
The facilitated LMIA process, which simplifies the application procedure for specific occupations, has been expanded to include TEER 4 roles. This expansion is crucial for sectors experiencing significant labor shortages, such as agriculture and manufacturing. Applications under the low-wage stream eligible for the facilitated process are exempt from caps on the proportion of low-wage positions allowed at a specific site.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) Transition
The TFWP transitioned to the NOC 2021, affecting the classification and prioritization of occupations. Employers must stay informed about the changes and how they impact eligibility and application requirements. The updated NOC system provides a modern framework that aligns with evolving labor market demands.
Exemptions from the LMIA Process
In Quebec, certain provisions eliminate the need for an LMIA entirely. Employers do not need to apply for an LMIA if they are hiring a temporary foreign worker who: 1. Holds a valid work permit. 2. Has a Certificate of Selection in Quebec (CSQ) and has applied for permanent residency under the Quebec Skilled Worker class. 3. Resides in Quebec and is seeking to extend or renew their work permit either with the same or a new employer. 4. Is a foreign student with a post-graduation work permit and a job offer in Quebec. 5. Holds a work permit through the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative and seeks to extend or renew their work authorization in Quebec. These exemptions streamline the hiring process for employers and facilitate quicker integration of skilled workers into the Quebec labor market.
Application Process
### Step-by-Step Guide: 1. **Determine LMIA Requirement**: Assess whether an LMIA is needed for the position you intend to fill. 2. **Prepare and Submit LMIA Application**: If required, complete the LMIA application in French and submit it simultaneously to Service Canada and MIFI. 3. **Use ARRIMA Platform**: For unnamed LMIA applications, utilize the ARRIMA platform, which offers a streamlined submission process. 4. **Recruitment Efforts**: Despite exemptions, document your efforts to recruit local talent before hiring a temporary foreign worker. 5. **Follow-Up**: After submission, monitor the status of your application and respond promptly to any additional information requests from Service Canada or MIFI.
Additional Resources and Support
Employers can access various resources to navigate the TFWP: - **Service Canada**: Provides support through the Employer Contact Centre and online portal resources. - **MIFI**: Offers detailed guidelines and assistance via their website and helpline. Employers should stay updated with any changes in the TFWP regulations, particularly those specific to Quebec. Regularly consulting the official websites and communicating with relevant authorities ensures compliance and maximizes the benefits of the program.
Conclusion
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec is a vital tool for addressing labor shortages and maintaining economic stability. By understanding the specific requirements, exemptions, and processes, Quebec employers can effectively leverage international talent to meet their operational needs. The program's adaptability, particularly the usage of the ARRIMA platform and the various exemptions, provides a flexible and efficient pathway to securing the necessary workforce.
