Francophone Mobility Work Permit: Complete Guide for French-Speaking Workers Outside Quebec 2026
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is a specialized LMIA-exempt work permit pathway designed to help Canadian employers hire French-speaking foreign workers for positions outside Quebec without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). As part of Canada's International Mobility Program, this pathway supports Canada's commitment to strengthening Francophone communities across the country while providing French-speaking workers with streamlined access to Canadian employment and eventual pathways to permanent residence through enhanced Express Entry points and provincial nomination opportunities.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Francophone Mobility Work Permit in 2026, including eligibility requirements, French language proficiency standards, qualifying occupations, employer obligations, the application process, family member provisions, processing times, pathways from work permits to permanent residence, and strategic approaches for French-speaking workers seeking to build lives and careers in Canada's vibrant Francophone minority communities.
French-speaking worker seeking Canadian opportunities? Get a free assessment to determine your Francophone Mobility eligibility.
What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?
Program Overview
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit helps Canadian employers hire French-speaking foreign workers more easily by exempting them from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. This LMIA exemption (code C16 - Mobilité Francophone) significantly simplifies and accelerates the hiring process for both employers and workers.
Key Features
- LMIA-Exempt: No Labour Market Impact Assessment required, saving time and costs
- Employer-Specific Permit: Closed work permit tied to specific employer
- Outside Quebec: For employment in provinces and territories outside Quebec
- French Language Focus: Requires intermediate French speaking and listening ability
- Broad Occupations: Most NOC TEER 0-5 occupations qualify (with specific agriculture exceptions)
- Family Friendly: Spouses may get open work permits, children can study
- PR Pathways: Enhanced Express Entry points and provincial nomination opportunities
Program Benefits
For Workers:
- Faster work permit processing (no LMIA delays)
- Access to Canadian work experience
- Pathway to permanent residence with French language advantages
- Integration into Francophone communities outside Quebec
- Spouse can work with open work permit
For Employers:
- No LMIA application required (saves CAD $1,000 and 6-12 months)
- No mandatory job advertising requirements
- Access to French-speaking global talent pool
- Supports bilingual workplace environments
- Contributes to Francophone community vitality
Eligibility Requirements for Workers
1. General Work Permit Eligibility
Must meet standard Canadian work permit requirements:
- Valid passport
- No criminal inadmissibility
- Good health (medical exam if required)
- Ability to support yourself in Canada
- Intent to leave Canada when work permit expires
2. Location Requirement
Must intend to live and work outside Quebec. This program is designed for Francophone minority communities in other provinces and territories including Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
3. French Language Proficiency
Must demonstrate intermediate French speaking and listening skills at minimum NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) Level 5 or higher.
Accepted language tests and equivalencies:
- TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français):
- Speaking (Expression orale): 181-225 points minimum
- Listening (Compréhension orale): 145-180 points minimum
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français):
- Speaking (Expression orale): 6-9 points minimum
- Listening (Compréhension orale): 331-368 points minimum
Important Notes:
- Only speaking and listening required—no reading or writing tests needed
- Test results must be valid at time of application
- TEF and TCF results generally valid for 2 years
Alternative Language Proof
Instead of language tests, you can provide:
- Transcripts or completion letters from French-language education programs
- Official documents demonstrating education or training in French
- Diplomas from French-language institutions
4. Valid Job Offer
Must have valid job offer from employer located outside Quebec in qualifying occupation.
5. Qualifying Occupations
Eligible jobs include most occupations under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0 to 5.
Exception: Primary agriculture jobs under TEER 4 and 5 are excluded.
Qualifying occupations include:
- TEER 0: Management occupations (executives, managers)
- TEER 1: Professional occupations (engineers, teachers, nurses, IT professionals)
- TEER 2: Technical occupations (technologists, programmers, skilled trades supervisors)
- TEER 3: Skilled trades and support occupations (electricians, plumbers, cooks, administrative assistants)
- TEER 4: Intermediate occupations (customer service, retail, food service) - excluding primary agriculture
- TEER 5: Labourers and elementary occupations (cleaning, general labour) - excluding primary agriculture
Employer Requirements and Obligations
What Employers Must Do
Before workers can apply, Canadian employers must:
Step 1: Register on IRCC Employer Portal
Create account on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Employer Portal.
Step 2: Submit Offer of Employment
Complete offer of employment using:
- LMIA Exemption Code: C16 (Mobilité Francophone)
- Job details (title, duties, wages, location)
- Employment duration
- Worker information
Step 3: Pay Employer Compliance Fee
Pay CAD $230 employer compliance fee through Employer Portal.
Step 4: Provide Offer of Employment Number
After submitting offer and paying fee, employer receives 7-digit offer of employment number. Provide this number to worker for their work permit application.
Important Employer Notes
- Employers do NOT receive separate approval from IRCC for job offer
- Job offer reviewed only when worker submits work permit application
- No LMIA application or job advertising required
- Employers must comply with provincial employment standards and wage requirements
- Must maintain employer compliance responsibilities throughout employment
The Work Permit Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documentation:
Identity Documents:
- Valid passport (valid for duration of intended stay)
- National ID card (if applicable)
- Photos meeting Canadian specifications
Language Proof:
- TEF Canada or TCF Canada test results showing NCLC 5+ in speaking and listening
- OR French education transcripts/diplomas
Employment Documentation:
- Job offer letter from Canadian employer
- 7-digit offer of employment number
- Resume/CV demonstrating qualifications for position
Additional Documents:
- Proof of financial support
- Police certificates (if required)
- Medical exam results (if required)
- Educational credentials
- Previous work experience letters
Step 2: Create IRCC Online Account
Register or sign in to IRCC's online portal to start application.
Step 3: Complete Application Forms
Fill out required forms including:
- Work Permit Application (IMM 1295)
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645)
- Schedule 1: Background/Declaration (if required)
Step 4: Upload Language Proof
Upload French language test results or education documents under Client Information section of application.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Processing fees:
- Work permit holder: CAD $155
- Work permit (including extensions): CAD $255
- Biometrics (if required): CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family
- Open work permit for spouse (if applicable): CAD $255
Step 6: Submit Application
Submit complete application package online through IRCC portal.
Step 7: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
If requested, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at designated Service Canada or Application Support Center.
Step 8: Await Decision
IRCC processes application. May request additional documents or information.
After Application Approval
For Visa-Required Applicants
If you're from a country requiring visitor visa, you'll receive:
- Port of Entry Letter of Introduction: Approval letter to present at Canadian port of entry
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Single or multiple entry visa in passport
Present documents at port of entry where border services officer issues actual work permit.
For Visa-Exempt Applicants
If from visa-exempt country, you'll receive:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Automatically linked to passport
- Port of Entry Letter: Present at Canadian border to receive work permit
Processing Times
Processing times vary by country of residence and application volume. Francophone Mobility work permits generally process faster than LMIA-based permits because they skip LMIA stage.
Typical timelines:
- From outside Canada: 2-6 months depending on country
- From within Canada (with valid status): 1-4 months
Check current processing times on IRCC website for your specific country.
Bringing Family Members
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for open work permit allowing them to work for any Canadian employer.
Eligibility depends on your job's NOC TEER level:
- TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Spouse eligible for open work permit
- TEER 4 or 5: Spouse generally not eligible for open work permit (but may qualify through other pathways)
Dependent Children
Dependent children can accompany you to Canada:
- School-age children (kindergarten to Grade 12): Generally do not require study permits, can attend school
- Post-secondary students: Require study permits for college or university
Family Application Process
Include family members in your initial application or apply separately:
- Complete family information forms
- Provide relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates)
- Pay separate fees for each family member
- Each person requires own medical exam if required
Work Permit Conditions and Extensions
Permit Conditions
Francophone Mobility Work Permit is employer-specific (closed) permit:
- Can only work for employer listed on permit
- Must work in job and location specified on permit
- Cannot change employers without new work permit
- Must maintain valid status throughout employment
Permit Validity
Work permit typically valid for:
- Duration of job offer (up to employer's specified end date)
- Until passport expiry
- Whichever comes first
Extending or Renewing Permits
Can extend work permit if:
- Employment continues with same employer
- Continue to meet eligibility requirements
- Employer submits new offer of employment
- Apply at least 30 days before current permit expires
Changing Employers
To work for different employer:
- New employer must submit new offer of employment
- Apply for new work permit with new employer information
- Cannot start working for new employer until new permit approved
Pathways to Permanent Residence
Express Entry with French Language Advantages
French-speaking candidates receive significant advantages in Express Entry:
- Additional CRS Points: Up to 50 bonus points for strong French proficiency with English
- French-Language Category Draws: Special draws exclusively for French-speaking candidates with lower CRS cutoffs
- Canadian Work Experience: Gain points for Canadian work experience through Francophone Mobility permit
After 1 year of full-time Canadian work experience, may qualify for Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Many provinces prioritize French-speaking workers:
- Ontario OINP - French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Specifically for francophone candidates in Express Entry
- New Brunswick: Strategic Initiative for francophone workers
- Manitoba: Skilled Worker streams welcoming francophones
- Saskatchewan: International Skilled Worker programs
- Alberta: Express Entry Stream and Opportunity Stream
- British Columbia: Skills Immigration streams
Provincial nominations provide 600 CRS points in Express Entry, virtually guaranteeing permanent residence invitations.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) offers direct permanent residence pathways for French-speaking workers with job offers in designated Francophone minority communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is an LMIA-exempt work permit pathway (code C16 - Mobilité Francophone) allowing French-speaking foreign workers to work in Canada outside Quebec without requiring Labour Market Impact Assessments. It's part of Canada's International Mobility Program designed to strengthen Francophone communities across Canada while providing streamlined work authorization for qualified French-speaking workers. Employers save time and costs by avoiding LMIA processes, and workers gain faster access to Canadian employment.
What level of French is required for Francophone Mobility?
You need intermediate French proficiency at NCLC Level 5 or higher in speaking and listening only. For TEF Canada, this means minimum 181 points speaking and 145 points listening. For TCF Canada, minimum 6 points speaking and 331 points listening. You do NOT need to demonstrate reading or writing abilities. Alternatively, you can provide transcripts or diplomas from French-language education programs instead of taking language tests. Test results or education documents must be uploaded with your application.
Can I work in Quebec with Francophone Mobility work permit?
No, the Francophone Mobility Work Permit is specifically designed for employment OUTSIDE Quebec in provinces and territories with Francophone minority communities. Quebec has separate immigration programs and language requirements. If you want to work in Quebec, explore Quebec immigration programs including Quebec Skilled Worker Program or Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Francophone Mobility targets Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, and other non-Quebec jurisdictions.
What jobs qualify for Francophone Mobility work permits?
Most occupations under NOC TEER levels 0-5 qualify, including management (TEER 0), professional (TEER 1), technical (TEER 2), skilled trades (TEER 3), intermediate (TEER 4), and elementary occupations (TEER 5). The ONLY exception is primary agriculture jobs under TEER 4 and 5, which are excluded. You need a valid job offer from an employer outside Quebec. Jobs can be high-skilled or lower-skilled as long as they meet NOC requirements.
Does my employer need LMIA for Francophone Mobility?
No, this is the major advantage of Francophone Mobility—employers do NOT need Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). This saves approximately CAD $1,000 in fees and 6-12 months in processing time. Instead, employers simply register on IRCC's Employer Portal, submit an offer of employment with code C16 (Mobilité Francophone), pay CAD $230 employer compliance fee, and provide you with a 7-digit offer number for your work permit application. No job advertising or LMIA processing required.
Can my spouse work if I have Francophone Mobility work permit?
Yes, if your job is NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit allowing them to work for any Canadian employer. If your job is TEER 4 or 5, your spouse generally isn't eligible for spousal open work permit under this category but may qualify through other pathways. Your dependent children can study in Canada—school-age children (K-12) generally don't need study permits, while post-secondary students require study permits.
How long does Francophone Mobility processing take?
Processing times vary by country of application. From outside Canada, typical processing is 2-6 months depending on your country of residence. From within Canada with valid status, processing typically takes 1-4 months. These times are generally faster than LMIA-based permits because Francophone Mobility skips the LMIA stage entirely. Check current processing times on IRCC website for your specific country. After approval, visa-required applicants receive Temporary Resident Visas, while visa-exempt applicants receive Electronic Travel Authorizations.
Can Francophone Mobility work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes, this is one of the pathway's greatest advantages. French-speaking workers receive significant benefits in Express Entry: up to 50 additional CRS points for French proficiency, eligibility for French-language category-based draws with lower cutoffs, and Canadian work experience points. After 1 year of full-time work, you can apply through Canadian Experience Class. Many provinces also prioritize French speakers through Provincial Nominee Programs. Additionally, explore the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot for direct PR pathways.
Can I change employers with Francophone Mobility work permit?
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is employer-specific (closed permit), meaning you can only work for the employer listed on your permit. To work for a different employer, the new employer must submit a new offer of employment through the Employer Portal with code C16, pay the employer compliance fee, and provide you with a new offer number. You must then apply for a new work permit. You cannot start working for the new employer until the new work permit is approved.
Should I hire an immigration consultant for Francophone Mobility?
While Francophone Mobility applications are more straightforward than LMIA-based permits, professional assistance ensures applications are complete, optimizes approval chances, and helps coordinate employer obligations. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can verify French language documentation meets requirements, ensure job offers align with NOC qualifications, guide employer compliance processes, and develop comprehensive permanent residence strategies. Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has experience with work permit applications and French-speaking immigration. Contact us for assistance.
Ready to Pursue Francophone Mobility?
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit offers French-speaking workers streamlined access to Canadian employment outside Quebec with significant advantages including LMIA exemption, faster processing, family accompaniment, and enhanced pathways to permanent residence through Express Entry and provincial programs. For French-speaking workers seeking to build careers and lives in Canada's vibrant Francophone communities, this program provides excellent opportunities.
Get Expert Francophone Immigration Assistance from VisaVio
VisaVio Immigration Consultants helps French-speaking workers navigate Francophone Mobility work permits and permanent residence pathways. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can guide you through work permit applications and PR strategies.
Free French Language Assessment
Determine if your French proficiency qualifies for Francophone Mobility
Check EligibilityAdditional Francophone Immigration Resources
Explore more pathways for French-speaking immigrants:
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot - Direct PR for Francophone workers
- Express Entry - Enhanced points for French speakers
- Provincial Nominee Programs - Francophone provincial streams
- Ontario OINP - French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- International Mobility Program - Other LMIA-exempt permits
- Canadian Experience Class - After Canadian work experience
- Immigration Blog - Latest Francophone immigration updates
- Immigration News - Breaking immigration news
- Service Fees - Transparent pricing
About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.