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Francophone Mobility Work Permit

The Francophone Mobility Program allows eligible Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire qualified French-speaking foreign nationals without first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If you meet the eligibility requirements, this LMIA-exempt work permit may provide an excellent opportunity to live and work in Canada while also supporting future permanent residence options.

What is the Francophone Mobility Program?

The Francophone Mobility Program is part of Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). It was created to encourage the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec by making it easier for employers to hire French-speaking workers.

Unlike an LMIA application, employers do not have to demonstrate that they were unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before hiring an eligible foreign worker. Instead, eligible employers submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal using LMIA exemption code C16 and pay the employer compliance fee.

Who May Qualify?

​You may qualify if you:​

  • have an offer of employment from an employer located outside Quebec;

  • meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit;

  • demonstrate intermediate French speaking and listening ability (generally NCLC 5 or higher);

  • have an eligible job offer that meets the program requirements. Since June 15, 2023, most TEER categories are eligible except certain primary agriculture occupations in TEER 4 and 5

Benefits of the Francophone Mobility Program

For Workers:​

  • No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

  • Faster and simpler employer process

  • Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience

  • May support future permanent residence pathways

  • Available to French speakers from many different countries—not only French citizens.

Benefits for Employers

Eligible employers may:

  • hire qualified French-speaking workers without obtaining an LMIA;

  • avoid LMIA recruitment requirements;

  • access a larger talent pool;

  • support bilingual workplaces and French-speaking communities.

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​Employers must still submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee before the worker applies.

Employer Requirements

Before the worker applies for a work permit, the employer generally must:

  • submit an offer of employment through IRCC’s Employer Portal;

  • use LMIA exemption code C16 (Mobilité Francophone);

  • pay the employer compliance fee; and

  • provide the worker with the Offer of Employment Number needed for the work permit application. 

Does the Job Have to Be in French?

No.
 

The position itself does not need to be performed in French.

The program focuses on the worker’s French-language ability and the employer’s location outside Quebec, not whether the workplace operates in French.

Can This Lead to Permanent Residence?

Many workers who obtain a Francophone Mobility work permit later pursue permanent residence through programs such as:

  • Express Entry

  • French-language category-based selection

  • Provincial Nominee Programs

  • Other permanent residence pathways

A work permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence, but Canadian work experience and French-language ability may improve eligibility under certain immigration programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need an LMIA?

No. Eligible workers apply under an LMIA exemption (C16).  
 

Do I have to be a citizen of France?

No. The program is open to eligible French-speaking foreign nationals of many nationalities.
 

How much French do I need?

Applicants generally need intermediate speaking and listening ability, equivalent to NCLC 5 or higher.  
 

Can I work anywhere in Canada?

No.

The Francophone Mobility Program is intended for employment outside Quebec.  
 

Does the employer still have responsibilities?

Yes.

Although an LMIA is not required, employers must comply with the Employer Portal process and employer compliance requirements.

Need Help?

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire a French-speaking worker or a foreign national hoping to qualify under the Francophone Mobility Program, we can assess your eligibility, explain the employer requirements, and guide you through the work permit application process.

GLG Insight

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Learning French can create valuable immigration opportunities, but French language ability alone does not guarantee a work permit. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the job offer, employer compliance requirements, where the employment is located, and whether the applicant meets the general work permit requirements. Before investing significant time and money into language training, it’s important to understand how the Francophone Mobility Program fits into your overall immigration strategy.

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