Canada expands the Francophone Mobility Program to increase French immigration

French is one of Canada’s official languages. As such, the government is incentivized to grow the French language through measures such as immigration.

On June 15, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program. Originally, the program was just intended for high-skilled French-speaking temporary foreign workers. Now it is available for all occupations except jobs in primary agriculture.

The French language proficiency criteria have also been updated for candidates applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility Program. Eligible candidates must have a language proficiency of French for oral comprehension and oral expression, equal to a level 5 of the language requirements, down from a level 7. These new language requirements will expand the number of eligible French-speaking foreign nationals who can apply for the program.

In addition to these measures, applicants must now provide proof that they meet these language requirements. To prove language proficiency, candidates can supply:

• a French evaluation or competencies test;
• a diploma or degree from a French college or university;
• a document confirming studies at a French-language institution, among other possible evidence.

These changes support Canada’s goal of fostering population growth and economic prosperity in the country, and promoting the French language.

“Our government is committed to increasing the presence of French-speaking immigrants from coast to coast to coast,” Fraser said in a statement. “The changes to the Francophone Mobility Program opens the possibility for this and provides supports the development of the Francophone minority communities that welcome them. By attracting more French-speaking individuals we embrace a wealth of linguistic talents and cultural perspectives, and a shared heritage that enriches the cultural tapestry of our great nation.”

Canada originally launched the Francophone Mobility Program in 2016. It was created in an effort to help employers recruit highly skilled French-speaking workers from all around the world, specifically to communities outside of Quebec.

The Francophone Mobility Program makes it so Canadian employers can hire eligible foreign workers without going through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This makes it easier to hire French-speaking talent from abroad who wish to work in Francophone minority communities in Canada, outside of Quebec.

With the Canadian work experience gained through the program, candidates may eventually qualify for permanent resident programs, including those managed by the Express Entry system.

From 2019-2021, Canada issued about 1,900 work permits and extensions under this program, annually.

From June 2016 to December 2020, 1,080 out of 5,700 temporary work permit holders transitioned to permanent residence. Nearly two-thirds of applicants to the Francophone Mobility Program work in professional sectors that call for post-secondary or apprenticeship training from six months to two years.