On February 26, Quebec released its annual update to the list of occupations eligible for simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The new list cuts the number of eligible occupations from 76 to 60 and notably drops several IT and engineering professions, while adding surgeons, power-line technicians and aircraft mechanics. (cicnews.com)
Employers in Quebec can use the simplified process—colloquially known as the “Liste des professions en demande”—to hire foreign talent without the usual advertising requirements and with faster federal processing. The province has granted a 30-day grace period (to March 26) for applications based on occupations that have just been removed. After that, companies seeking software developers, database analysts or telecom installers will need to complete the full, regular LMIA process.
Employers and foreign professionals who need assistance securing the correct visas and work permits in light of these LMIA changes can leverage VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/). The service provides step-by-step guidance, document checklists and rapid courier handling, allowing HR teams and assignees to navigate Québec’s shifting requirements with confidence and efficiency.
![Quebec trims expedited LMIA list to 60 occupations, removes many tech roles]()
Analysts see the cull of tech roles as a sign that Québec’s domestic labour supply in IT has improved, or that policymakers want to push firms toward local hiring and upskilling. By contrast, the retention of skilled-trades and healthcare occupations underscores persistent shortages in those fields.
For global-mobility managers, the update means reassessing Québec-bound assignments: manufacturing firms may still benefit from fast-track welders and machinists, but video-game studios will lose a favoured pathway. Companies should file any last-minute applications before the grace period expires and consider alternative routes such as intra-company transfers or the Global Talent Stream, which remains open for many tech NOCs.
The revised list will remain in force until February 23, 2027, giving employers a predictable—but narrower—window for streamlined hiring.
Employers in Quebec can use the simplified process—colloquially known as the “Liste des professions en demande”—to hire foreign talent without the usual advertising requirements and with faster federal processing. The province has granted a 30-day grace period (to March 26) for applications based on occupations that have just been removed. After that, companies seeking software developers, database analysts or telecom installers will need to complete the full, regular LMIA process.
Employers and foreign professionals who need assistance securing the correct visas and work permits in light of these LMIA changes can leverage VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/). The service provides step-by-step guidance, document checklists and rapid courier handling, allowing HR teams and assignees to navigate Québec’s shifting requirements with confidence and efficiency.
Analysts see the cull of tech roles as a sign that Québec’s domestic labour supply in IT has improved, or that policymakers want to push firms toward local hiring and upskilling. By contrast, the retention of skilled-trades and healthcare occupations underscores persistent shortages in those fields.
For global-mobility managers, the update means reassessing Québec-bound assignments: manufacturing firms may still benefit from fast-track welders and machinists, but video-game studios will lose a favoured pathway. Companies should file any last-minute applications before the grace period expires and consider alternative routes such as intra-company transfers or the Global Talent Stream, which remains open for many tech NOCs.
The revised list will remain in force until February 23, 2027, giving employers a predictable—but narrower—window for streamlined hiring.
