The Francophone Mobility Program

Getting an LMIA isn’t always easy, so this program removes friction when it comes to hiring French-speaking workers. In turn, this helps to bring French-speaking workers to live in Canada, outside Quebec, and work towards the targets for French-speaking immigrants. 

Key Features of the Francophone Mobility Program:

• Work permits issued under this program are LMIA exempt, making it easier and faster for employers to hire foreign French-speaking workers.
• Workers must be French-speaking and have a job offer outside Quebec. 
• Almost all offers of employment, irrespective of skill level, are accepted under the Francophone Mobility Program, making this a great way for french speaking workers to come to Canada.

Who Qualifies For A Francophone Mobility Work Permit?

Foreign workers applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility program, must: 

• Intend to live and work in a province or territory outside Quebec
• Have an offer of employment in either
  • a high-skilled occupation (TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3) or
  • a low-skilled occupation (TEER category 4 and 5)
• Prove French language ability in speaking and listening to a CLB / NCLC level 5 or higher. 

Although applicants must prove their French to get a work permit, it does not mean that the job has to be in a French-speaking environment.

Who Does Not Qualify For A Francophone Mobility Work Permit?

Applicants with a job offer under Teer 4 or 5 occupations in a primary agriculture sector may not be eligible for a work permit under this program.

How Can Foreign Workers Prove French Ability? 

There are various ways a foreign worker can demonstrate at least CLB / NCLC Level 5 in speaking and listening French ability. These include:

• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) results
• Evidence of post-secondary education in French
• Other documents that show education in French.

We recommend that applicants submit an approved language test that clearly shows the applicant’s level of ability. 

What Documents Are Needed To Apply For A Work Permit Under The Francophone Mobility Program?

In most cases, the foreign worker must submit their work permit application online via the IRCC secure account. They will need the employer portal application number as well as completed application forms and supporting documents to submit their application.

The application forms and documents vary depending on where the foreign worker is applying from but at a minimum include:

1. A main application form and family history form;
2. A digital photo;
3. Passport copy;
4. Proof of previous employment;
5. Proof of education needed to do the job;
6. Proof of French language ability.

Foreign workers must upload all requested documentation to their portal to submit their application.

How Does the Francophone Mobility Program Help Employers?

The Francophone Mobility program lets foreign workers get a work permit without a positive LMIA. This means that as part of the hiring process, the Canadian company will not need to show that they have tried to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This saves time and money. 

Instead, employers will need to submit the offer of employment to the employer portal. Once the offer of employment has been submitted, they must give the foreign worker the submission number. 

How Long Can a Francophone Mobility Work Permit Be Valid For?

If the work permit application is approved, the officer will issue a work permit. The Work permit will be valid for the duration of the employment offer or until the foreign worker’s travel document expires.

If you would like to learn more about how French can help you immigrate to Quebec, check out our dedicated page.

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