Navigating the Francophone Mobility Work Permit: A Pathway to Working in Canada

Canada offers numerous opportunities for skilled workers, and for French-speaking individuals looking to build their careers in the country, the Francophone Mobility work permit presents a valuable pathway. This work permit is particularly appealing as it is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement, making it a smoother process for both employers and applicants. However, there are specific eligibility requirements and steps that both parties must follow to ensure a successful application.

What Employers Must Do Before You Apply

Before you can submit your application for a Francophone Mobility work permit, your prospective Canadian employer must complete several key steps:

• Submit an offer of employment to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the Employer Portal.

• Use the LMIA exemption code C16 for Mobilité Francophone.

• Pay the required employer compliance fee of $230.

• Provide you with an offer of employment number, a unique seven-digit identifier required for your application.

These steps are crucial as they confirm the legitimacy of your employment offer and facilitate the application process.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the Francophone Mobility work permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Satisfy the general eligibility requirements for a Canadian work permit.

• Plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec in one of Canada’s nine provinces or three territories.

• Demonstrate intermediate-level speaking and listening skills in French, equivalent to level 5 or higher on the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) scale.

• Have a valid job offer classified under any Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, except for primary agriculture occupations under TEER 4 and 5.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful application and ensures a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce.

Bringing Your Family Along

One of the significant advantages of the Francophone Mobility work permit is the possibility of bringing your family to Canada with you. Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Additionally, your dependent children can attend school or university, though they may need to obtain a study permit.

How to Prove Your French Proficiency

Since French language skills are a fundamental requirement for this program, you must provide proof of your proficiency in speaking and listening. Accepted documents include:

• Official results from a recognized French language test, such as the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF).

• A written confirmation from a college or university indicating that you completed a program in French. This can be in the form of a transcript or an official letter of completion.

• Other documents that verify your education in French.

Applying from Inside or Outside Canada

Whether you are currently in Canada or applying from abroad, you can submit your application as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements. Ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation and that your employer has completed their obligations will help streamline the process.

The Francophone Mobility work permit is an excellent opportunity for French-speaking professionals to build a successful career in Canada while enjoying the country’s diverse and inclusive environment. By understanding the eligibility criteria and ensuring that all requirements are met, applicants can take full advantage of this program and embark on a fulfilling professional journey in Canada.

Need expert guidance on your work permit application? Contact us today or book a consultation to get started!