Mobilité Francophone Work Permit

The Mobilité Francophone Work Permit allows French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada outside Quebec without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is part of the International Mobility Program and helps employers hire skilled francophone workers more easily. The program supports Canada’s commitment to strengthening French-speaking communities across the country.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible for a Francophone Mobilité Work Permit if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a French-speaking foreign national who will live and work outside Quebec
  • You have a genuine job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification)
  • You can demonstrate at least moderate French-language proficiency in speaking and listening (minimum NCLC 5 or equivalent)
  • You meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit, including admissibility and proof of qualifications

French-speaking workers from Africa, Europe, and other regions often use this route to gain Canadian work experience and later qualify for permanent residence.

Employer Requirements

Employers do not need an LMIA to hire under this program. Instead, they must:

  • Submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal
  • Pay the employer compliance fee
  • Provide details of the job offer to the worker before they apply

This process makes hiring faster and less costly than the standard LMIA route.

Duration and Extensions

Work permits are typically issued for up to three years and can be renewed if the worker continues to meet the requirements and maintains employment outside Quebec. Spouses or common-law partners of francophone workers may also be eligible for open work permits.

Transition to Permanent Residence

Many francophone workers use the experience gained under this program to apply for permanent residence. Common options include Express Entry, particularly the French-speaking category, and provincial programs such as Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream or the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative for Francophones.

Why Choose the Francophone Mobilité Program

  • No LMIA requirement
  • Faster processing and simpler employer participation
  • Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience
  • Pathway to permanent residence
  • Strengthened French-speaking presence in communities outside Quebec

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through IRCC. You must include your job offer number, proof of language proficiency, and all supporting documents for work permit eligibility.

It is important to ensure your employer has submitted the offer of employment correctly before you apply. IRCC officers will verify your French-language skills and your intention to live outside Quebec.

Summary

The Francophone Mobilité Work Permit is one of the most efficient and accessible ways for French-speaking professionals to work in Canada. It helps employers address skill shortages while allowing francophone workers to gain valuable Canadian experience and eventually settle permanently through one of several immigration pathways.