The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is a special LMIA-exempt (Labour Market Impact Assessment) work permit category under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). It is designed to attract French-speaking skilled professionals to live and work outside the province of Quebec, supporting and strengthening Canada’s Francophone minority communities.
This program came into effect on June 15, 2023, and is currently scheduled to end on June 15, 2025.
Program Background
This work permit program is a key component of the Government of Canada’s Francophone Immigration Strategy, which aims to increase the demographic weight of Francophone communities outside Quebec and help address regional labor shortages through targeted immigration initiatives.
Key Features
- LMIA Exemption (Exemption Code C16): Employers are exempt from undergoing the complex LMIA process, lowering the barrier to hiring foreign workers.
- Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate that French is their habitual language of daily use and that they can perform the job in French.
- Location Restriction: The job must be located outside of Quebec. Any position based in Quebec is not eligible under this program.
- Occupation Type: The position must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 – i.e., high- or medium-skilled occupations such as managerial, technical, and skilled trades roles.
- Valid Job Offer Required: The employer must provide a genuine, full-time job offer that complies with Canadian labor laws.
- Permit Duration: The work permit is issued based on the job offer's duration, typically 1 to 2 years, and may be renewed if conditions are met.
Program Advantages
- Simplified process for both employers and applicants.
- Promotes Canada’s bilingualism and multicultural values.
- Can serve as a pathway to permanent residency, including through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), where French proficiency can earn additional points or priority processing.
Eligibility Requirements
For applications submitted on or after June 15, 2023:
- Language Proficiency: Intermediate French level, with at least NCLC 5 in speaking and listening.
- Job Offer: Must be a full-time, genuine offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Note: Entry-level agricultural positions (TEER 4 and 5) are not eligible. - Location: Must be outside of Quebec.
- General Requirements: Must meet all other standard Canadian work permit criteria.
For applications submitted before June 15, 2023:
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate that French is the applicant’s daily language, with at least NCLC 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
- Other requirements remain the same.
Family Member Eligibility
- Spouse or Common-law Partner: May be eligible for an open work permit.
- Dependent Children: May study in Canada at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level. A study permit may be required depending on age and level of study.
Employer Responsibilities & Steps
Before the applicant can apply, the Canadian employer must:
- Submit the Job Offer
Through the Employer Portal, using LMIA Exemption Code C16 (Mobilité Francophone). - Pay the Employer Compliance Fee
A fee of $230 CAD must be submitted. - Provide the Offer of Employment Number
A 7-digit reference number, which is mandatory for the applicant’s work permit submission.
