Francophone Mobility Program
The Francophone Mobility Program is an initiative of the Government of Canada that makes it easier for French-speaking foreign nationals to obtain a work permit. Its objective is to encourage the growth of dynamic Francophone communities across Canada.
Francophone Mobility is an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), relieving employers from the obligation to obtain the typically required positive LMIA to hire temporary foreign workers.
The LMIA exemption code for Francophone Mobility is C16. Employers are not required to offer a French-speaking work environment to candidates under the Francophone Mobility Program.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must be proficient in French; proof of French language proficiency is required (language test, French language diploma).
Individuals must intend to work in a province or territory outside of Quebec.
The program is open to all nationalities, without age limit, and for all types of positions with the exception of primary agricultural occupations.
The Francophone Mobility Process in 3 Steps
Required Documents:
Ensure that the Job Offer is Eligible:
- French-speaking foreign temporary worker (the position does not need to require French).
- The job offer is outside of Quebec.
- Part-time or full-time position, regardless of the contract duration.
Sign an Employment Contract with Your Candidate:
Make sure that the employment contract mentions ALL of the following elements, even if it is specified that they are not covered by the employer (e.g., accommodation, flight ticket to Canada):
- Job duties
- Resignation/dismissal terms
- Working hours
- Salary
- Accommodation arrangements
- Sick leave rights
- Transportation to Canada
- Medical coverage
- Work accident insurance coverage
- Recruitment fees (if applicable)
Apply Online for Francophone Mobility via the Employer Portal:
- Log in or create an account on the Employer Portal.
- Click on “Create a job offer.”
- Fill in the required information in the four modules :
- In the Job Details section: Under the LMIA exemption title, select the Francophone Mobility exemption C16.
- In the field explaining of how the job meets the requirements of the requested exemption, mention that the candidate speaks French, is settling outside of Quebec, and has been offered a job.
- Pay the employer compliance fee (230 CAD $) and keep proof of payment.
- Return to the homepage. Click on “Access job offer queue.” → Note the job offer number.
- Provide this number to the candidate, who can then apply for the work permit.
Program Timeframe and Cost
- Starting September 2023, processing times for a work permit application are approximately 10 weeks for applicants from France and Belgium.
- However, this can be expedited for applications related to NOC skill levels 0 or 1 in the National Occupational Classification of Canada.
- For up-to-date information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Employer Compliance Fee*: CAD $230 and Work Permit Processing Fee*: CAD $155 (+ $85 for biometric data if required)
*Refunded if the work permit application is denied or withdrawn.
Advantages of the Francophone Mobility Program
For Employers:
- No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required.
- The job offer in Canada does not need to require French language skills.
- Employer-specific work permit.
- The work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer and can be renewed.
For Candidates:
- Open work permit for common-law partners and spouses (for employment over 6 months).
- Authorization to study for dependent children (primary and secondary).
- Government-funded settlement services in French.
- An additional step towards permanent residency.
How We Can Assist You!
Once you’ve confirmed your candidate’s eligibility for our program, please feel free to reach out for free guidance on the subsequent steps. Additionally, you may contact your Employer Liaison Officer at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for further assistance.
Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique
Vincent Catherine
Alexandre Valy
Employer Outreach Officer Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Our team is available to conduct one or more meetings with you and your candidate to ensure both parties clearly understand their responsibilities and the documents required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
After the application is submitted, we maintain ongoing communication with your organization to keep you informed about all aspects of the process.
A service financed by:
