How Quebec Employers Hire Temporary Foreign Workers

Many businesses in Quebec struggle to fill jobs in areas such as agriculture, food processing, health care, and skilled trades. When there are not enough qualified Canadians or permanent residents for a position, Quebec employers can use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This federal program, managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has extra provincial steps in Quebec. Planning ahead is important to avoid delays.

Understanding the TFWP in Quebec

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for a set period when there is a proven shortage of local workers. In Quebec, most employers must get both federal and provincial approvals before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is usually required. This document shows that hiring a foreign worker will not hurt the Canadian job market. You need an LMIA if:

The job is not exempt under federal rules
You are hiring for a low-wage or high-wage role through TFWP
The job is temporary or permanent and filled by a non-resident

Some special streams and international agreements are LMIA-exempt, but these are not part of the regular TFWP process.

Step-by-Step Hiring Process

1. Advertise and Recruit in Canada

Before you apply for an LMIA, you must try to hire Canadians or permanent residents. This includes:

Posting the job on Job Bank
Advertising in other places aimed at Canadians and permanent residents
Keeping records of your recruitment efforts and results

Not following these advertising rules is a common reason for LMIA refusals.

2. Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment

You submit the LMIA application to ESDC. You need to provide:

A detailed job offer and wage information
Proof of your recruitment efforts
A transition plan (for high-wage jobs)
The $1,000 LMIA processing fee per position, paid by the employer

Processing times can be several weeks or longer, depending on the stream and region.

3. Apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

Quebec employers must also apply for a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for temporary work. This is a provincial approval that is required for most jobs.

Key points about the CAQ:

You usually apply for the CAQ at the same time as the LMIA
Both the LMIA and CAQ must be approved before the worker can apply for a work permit
CAQ processing times may be different from the federal process

4. The Worker Applies for a Work Permit

After you receive:

A positive LMIA, and
An approved CAQ (if required),

the foreign worker can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit. The permit is linked to:

The specific employer
The job location
The approved occupation and wage

Employer Responsibilities

When you hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you have ongoing obligations. Quebec employers must:

Pay the wage listed in the LMIA
Provide working conditions that meet Quebec labour standards
Keep records for at least six years
Cooperate with federal or provincial inspections

If you do not follow these rules, you could face fines, be banned from the program, or be listed publicly as non-compliant.

If you are combining TFWP hiring with training or HR support, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find labour and workforce programs for your industry and province.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting recruitment too late
You must follow strict advertising timelines and formats. Rushing or missing steps often leads to LMIA refusal.
Offering wages below Quebec standards
You must pay at least the prevailing wage for the job in Quebec. Underpaying can cause your application to be denied.
Forgetting the CAQ requirement
If you only apply for federal approval, you will face delays. The CAQ is required for most jobs in Quebec.
Thinking small businesses cannot apply
Any business, large or small, can use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program if all requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Canada?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a federal program that lets employers hire foreign workers when Canadians or permanent residents are not available. It is managed by ESDC and IRCC.

Q: Do all Quebec employers need an LMIA to hire a foreign worker?
Most do, but some positions are LMIA-exempt under other immigration programs. If your job falls under TFWP, you usually need an LMIA.

Q: How long does it take to get an LMIA approved?
Processing times depend on the job stream, occupation, and region. It often takes several weeks, and sometimes longer during busy periods.

Q: How much does an LMIA application cost?
The LMIA processing fee is $1,000 per position, paid by the employer. This fee cannot be recovered from the worker.

Q: Do Quebec employers need extra approval to hire foreign workers?
Yes. Most Quebec employers must get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in addition to a positive LMIA.

Next Steps

Hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Quebec can be straightforward if you plan ahead and understand both federal and provincial steps. Many employers also use training, HR, and workforce retention programs to support their teams. GrantHub provides information on hundreds of active grant and support programs across Canada that may fit your business needs.

If you want to learn more about hiring and workforce support, you can explore guides on GrantHub for topics like agriculture streams, Job Bank, and HR advisory programs.

See also:

How to qualify for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (Agriculture Stream)
How to Use Job Bank and Labour Market Programs to Hire and Retain Workers in Canada
Do You Need HR, Foreign Workers, or Management Advisory Support?

How Quebec Employers Hire Temporary Foreign Workers