Québec 2026 Simplified LMIA List Released: Only 60 Occupations Remain Eligible – Major Cuts to IT, Engineering & Transport Sectors | Quebec Simplified LMIA 2026 Updates
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Published: 2026-02-26T21:00+05:30 (IST)
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has officially published the 2026 list of occupations eligible under Québec’s Simplified Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) stream. The new list entered into force on February 24, 2026 and will remain valid until February 23, 2027.
This annual revision reduces the number of fast-track occupations from 76 (2025) to 60, marking one of the most significant contractions in recent years. The most visible changes involve the removal of a large number of information-technology roles, several engineering and technical occupations, and various transportation/logistics support positions. In parallel, MIFI has strengthened eligibility in critical infrastructure, healthcare specializations, and essential skilled trades — categories considered priority under Québec’s current economic and demographic realities.
Why the List Was Reduced – Official Rationale & Context
MIFI adjusts the Simplified LMIA occupation list every year based on detailed labour-market information provided by the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MTESS) and federal ESDC data. The stated objective is to concentrate the fast-track pathway on occupations where local recruitment remains demonstrably difficult.
Key drivers behind the 2026 contraction include:
Cooling demand in certain high-tech fields after several years of heavy foreign recruitment
Increased participation of Québec residents in IT and engineering training programs
Persistent shortages in healthcare support roles, skilled trades, and infrastructure-related positions
Government priority to protect local employment in non-shortage occupations while maintaining flexibility for truly critical sectors
The result is a leaner, more targeted list that continues to offer significant advantages — but only to a narrower range of occupations.
Main Changes at a Glance – 2026 vs 2025
Total eligible occupations → Reduced from 76 to 60
Sectors significantly scaled back
Information technology (multiple NOC codes removed or restricted)
Engineering & related technical roles
Transportation, warehousing & logistics support
Certain administrative and clerical support positions
Sectors strengthened or maintained
Critical infrastructure & utilities (electricity, water, telecommunications)
Healthcare specializations (registered nurses, medical technologists, certain allied health roles)
Essential skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, industrial mechanics)
Select agricultural and food-processing roles
30-Day Transition Period (Feb 24 – Mar 26, 2026)
To avoid penalizing applications already in the pipeline, MIFI and ESDC have agreed on a 30-day transition window:
Any LMIA application submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada between February 24, 2026 and March 26, 2026 can still be assessed under the 2025 list if the occupation was removed from the 2026 list.
After March 26, 2026 → only the new 2026 list applies.
Employers who were planning to hire in a now-removed occupation are strongly advised to submit their LMIA request before the end of the transition period.
What the Simplified LMIA Actually Offers
The Simplified LMIA process is one of the fastest and least burdensome ways for Québec employers to hire foreign workers. Key advantages include:
No mandatory recruitment efforts (no job advertisement, no proof that no qualified Canadian is available)
Significantly shorter processing time compared to the regular LMIA stream
Lower administrative burden for the employer
Faster work-permit issuance once LMIA is approved
These benefits remain fully available — but only for the 60 occupations still on the 2026 list.
Practical Consequences for Employers & Foreign Workers
Employers in removed occupations
Must now follow the standard LMIA process (advertise 4 weeks, prove no qualified Canadians, higher scrutiny)
Face longer processing times (often 2–6 months vs 10–20 business days for Simplified LMIA)
May need to consider alternative streams (Québec Skilled Worker Program, federal Express Entry, intra-company transfer, etc.)
Foreign workers in removed occupations
Harder to secure Québec-specific job offers with fast-track LMIA
May need to target federal programs (Express Entry, federal Skilled Worker, etc.) or other provinces
Roles in IT, engineering, and transport are still hireable — just not via the Simplified LMIA shortcut
Winners under the 2026 list
Healthcare providers (nurses, medical technologists, certain allied health)
Skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, welders, millwrights)
Infrastructure & utilities workers
Certain agricultural and food-processing specialists
These categories continue to enjoy the fast-track benefits, making Québec more competitive for these critical roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the 2026 Simplified LMIA list take effect?
February 24, 2026 — valid until February 23, 2027.
Q: Can I still use the 2025 list after February 24?
Yes — during the 30-day transition window (Feb 24 – Mar 26, 2026), applications for occupations removed from the 2026 list can be assessed under the 2025 rules.
Q: Why were IT, engineering and transport roles cut?
MIFI adjusts the list annually based on Québec’s labour-market data. The province determined that shortages in those fields have eased or can be addressed through local recruitment and training programs.
Q: Does this affect federal LMIA applications?
No — the Simplified LMIA list is specific to Québec. Federal LMIA rules (Stream A/B, Global Talent Stream, etc.) remain unchanged.
Q: Where can I see the full 2026 list of 60 occupations?
Directly on the official Québec immigration website (MIFI portal) or through the Arrima platform.
Q: What if my occupation is no longer eligible — what are my options?
Consider the standard LMIA process, Québec Skilled Worker Program (Regular or PEQ), federal Express Entry, or intra-company transfer (ICT) if applicable. Consult an immigration professional for case-specific advice.
Q: Will healthcare and trades roles remain fast-tracked?
Yes — these categories have been strengthened or maintained in the 2026 list.
For the official 2026 Simplified LMIA occupation list, detailed eligibility criteria, transition rules, application forms, and processing guidelines, visit the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) Simplified LMIA page.
Explore our dedicated Canada immigration section for real-time updates on Québec programs, federal LMIA changes, Express Entry draws, PNP streams, and alternative pathways.
Québec’s labour-market priorities have clearly shifted — check if your occupation is still on the fast-track list today!
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