Quebec has specific requirements for employers looking to hire foreign workers. Certain occupations in Quebec are exempt from the requirement to advertise the position for which they are hiring foreign workers. This means that employers do not need to prove that they tried hiring Canadian citizens and permanent residents before hiring a temporary foreign worker, but it’s still recommended that they make their best efforts to do so.
The process for temporarily hiring a foreign national to work in Canada typically involves the submission of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). LMIAs are documents that employers seek from the government to verify that hiring a foreign national will have either a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market. It’s essential for employers to ensure that no Canadians are passed up for the position in favor of a foreign national and that the hired temporary worker will receive a salary and benefits.
Employers in Quebec must also prove that the hired person meets all educational and experience requirements, both of the job and the National Occupation Classification, showcase that the hired employee’s wage is aligned with both provincial and federal standards as well as the wages of Canadians and permanent residents, and provide a transition plan. Transition plans are only required for the second or subsequent LMIA applications submitted for the same occupation at the same location.
Until December 31st, 2024, certain Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) 4 and 5 occupations are exempt from advertising and recruitment requirements in Quebec. This means that certain occupations are also exempt from the requirement to advertise the position for which they are hiring foreign workers. This opens up opportunities for foreign workers in these specific occupations.
Quebec’s facilitated work permit process does not exempt employers from applying for an LMIA, but it does provide some exemptions for certain occupations. With the right qualifications and a clear understanding of the application process, employers in Quebec can successfully hire foreign workers for specific roles.
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