Quebec has released its updated 2026 list of occupations eligible for expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Following the February 24, 2026 update, several IT and engineering roles have been removed. The revised list now includes 60 occupations, down from 76 previously eligible roles.
The updated list will remain valid until February 23, 2027.
30-Day Grace Period Announced
Quebec has introduced a 30-day transition period for occupations that were removed from the list.
- Grace period: February 24 – March 26, 2026
- Applications submitted during this window may still qualify under the previous list.
This provides employers time to adjust hiring plans and submit pending applications.
What Is Expedited LMIA Processing?
Under Quebec’s streamlined LMIA process:
- Employers are not required to provide extensive proof of recruitment efforts.
- Applications are processed faster than standard LMIA requests.
- Eligible occupations reflect labour shortages across the province.
Some occupations also qualify for two-week LMIA processing under the Global Talent Stream.
Occupations Eligible for Expedited LMIA Processing (2026)
Below is a summary of key eligible occupations (NOC 2021 codes):
Healthcare & Medical
- General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
- Specialists in surgery (31101) (new in 2026)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
- Nurse practitioners (31302)
- Licensed practical nurses (32101)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
- Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Physiotherapists (31202)
- Occupational therapists (31203)
- Psychologists (31200)
- Respiratory therapists (32103)
Engineering & Technical
- Civil engineers (21300)
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists (22310)
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301)
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (72404) (new in 2026)
- Electrical power line and cable workers (72203) (new in 2026)
Skilled Trades & Construction
- Electricians (72200)
- Industrial electricians (72201)
- Carpenters (72310)
- Bricklayers (72320)
- Concrete finishers (73100)
- Crane operators (72500)
- Roofers and shinglers (73110)
- Welders (72106)
- Sheet metal workers (72102)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (72402)
- Elevator constructors and mechanics (72406)
Education & Social Services
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (41221)
- Secondary school teachers (41220)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
- Social workers (41300)
- Social and community service workers (42201)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (42203)
Food & Processing
- Food service supervisors (62020)*
- Bakers (63202)*
- Butchers – retail and wholesale (63201)*
- Supervisors, food and beverage processing (92012)
(*Certain occupations are eligible only under specific designated titles.)
For full occupation details, applicants should consult the official National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Occupations Removed from the 2026 List
Several technology and engineering roles are no longer eligible for simplified LMIA processing, including:
- Software engineers and designers (21231)
- Software developers and programmers (21232)
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Database analysts (21223)
- Mechanical engineers (21301)
- Veterinarians (31103)
- Cooks (63200)
- Transport truck drivers (73300)
- Heavy equipment operators (73400)
The removal of IT-related roles signals a shift in Quebec’s labour priorities for 2026.
How the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Works in Quebec
Quebec operates the TFWP differently from other provinces due to the Canada–Quebec Accord, which grants the province greater authority over immigration and labour market decisions.
To hire a foreign worker in Quebec:
- Employers must obtain a positive LMIA.
- Joint authorization is required from both Quebec and the federal government.
- The worker must obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for a federal work permit.
2026 CAQ Targets and French Language Requirement
In 2026, Quebec aims to process between 43,400 and 63,700 CAQs under the TFWP.
Additionally:
- Applicants with three years of work experience in Quebec must demonstrate spoken French proficiency at NCLC level 4.
- A three-year grace period applies to certain foreign workers already in Quebec.
- Some categories (such as agricultural workers) are exempt from the French requirement.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
The reduction from 76 to 60 eligible occupations indicates tighter eligibility criteria for expedited LMIA processing.
Employers in healthcare, construction, skilled trades, and select technical fields continue to benefit from simplified processing, while IT and engineering sectors may face longer recruitment procedures.
Foreign workers and employers are encouraged to:
- Verify NOC eligibility before submitting an LMIA
- Apply during the grace period if previously eligible
- Ensure compliance with French language requirements where applicable
As Quebec updates this list annually, further adjustments may be expected in 2027.
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