New Salary Norms for Quebec Temporary Foreign Workers
On 1st December 2020, a new salary guide will come into effect in Quebec for reference of employers planning to employ temporary foreign workers for fulfilling labor market shortages. Previously, employers in the province were referring to the 2018 salary guide. Now, temporary employment offers submitted to the Quebec Immigration Ministry on or after 1st December can be rejected if the salary offered is based on the 2018 standards.
The Quebec immigration process involves several stages – including having a favorable Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and receiving a Quebec Selection Certificate. To get a favorable LMIA, employers must ensure that the salary being offered to a temporary foreign worker is equal to the compensation provided to domestic Quebec workers with similar work experience in the relevant job category.
The updated salary guide impacts the current salary determination procedure necessary for obtaining a temporary work permit. This change could also affect work authorization applications before 1st December 2020 that are still being processed once the change comes into effect. When applying for work authorization, the employer’s salary is based on guaranteed wages – excluding tips, overtime, profit-sharing, indemnities, commissions, bonuses, etc.
If a collective decree or agreement covers the temporary foreign worker’s employment, the salary must comply with the decree/agreement provisions. If not, the Ministry uses the salary guide to determine wages. Hourly wages applicable to each occupation are calculated using three categories, and the work experience required by the Quebec employer. If the salary guide does not contain information regarding the occupation, the Ministry refers to the Canada Job Bank’s federal wage information.
A temporary foreign worker’s occupation is determined by referring to the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This officially recognized system divides occupations in the Canadian labor market based on skill level and skill type. To identify your NOC and check your eligibility for Quebec immigration pathways, seek the guidance of India’s most seasoned and legitimate immigration consultants – at Abhinav.
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