Francophone Mobility Work Permit

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, you must:​

• Be eligible for a Canadian work permit in general

• Intend to live and work outside Quebec

• Have intermediate speaking and listening skills in French (NCLC level 5 or higher)

• Have a valid job offer in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0 to 5 occupation, excluding primary agriculture jobs in TEER 4 and 5

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There is no age limit and no requirement to read or write in French. You can apply from any country.​

 

Language Requirements

To prove your French ability, you must submit one of the following:

• Results from a French language test, such as TEF or TCF, showing NCLC level 5 or higher in speaking and listening

• A transcript or completion letter from a French-language education program

• Other official documents that demonstrate education or training in French

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All language proof must be uploaded with your application under the Client Information section.

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What Jobs Qualify

Eligible jobs include most occupations in TEER levels 0 to 5 under the NOC system. The only exception is primary agriculture roles under TEER 4 or 5, which are excluded.

You must have a valid job offer from an employer located outside Quebec. The job can be in a high‑skilled or low‑skilled occupation.

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What Your Employer Must Do

Before you apply, your Canadian employer must:

• Register on IRCC’s Employer Portal

• Submit an offer of employment using LMIA exemption code C16 (Mobilité Francophone)

• Pay the $230 employer compliance fee

• Provide you with a 7-digit offer of employment number for your application

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Employers do not receive a separate approval from IRCC for the job offer. The offer is only reviewed once the worker submits their work permit application.

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How to Apply for the Work Permit

Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents
You will need:

Valid passport
Proof of French speaking and listening ability
Job offer from your Canadian employer (with the offer number)
Completed application forms
Relationship documents if applying with family
Proof that you meet the requirements of the job offered

Step 2 – Create Your Online Account
Sign in or register on IRCC’s website to start your application.

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Step 3 – Complete the Application
Use IRCC’s official instruction guide to fill out the work permit forms. Upload all documents as per the checklist.

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Step 4 – Upload Language Proof
Include your TEF or TCF results, or other language evidence, under the Client Information section.

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Step 5 – Pay Your Fees and Submit
Pay the work permit application fee and any applicable biometrics or family member fees. Submit everything online.

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Bringing Your Family With You

You can include your family in your application:

• Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, depending on the skill level of your job

• Your dependent children may study in Canada. Most school-age children do not require a study permit, but university-age children do.

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Each family member must submit their own application forms and documents.

 

Bringing Family Members

Applicants may bring their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children to Canada. They may be eligible for:

• Visitor visas

• Study permits

• Open work permits

Family members must:

• Submit applications through their IRCC secure account

• Provide proof of applicant's FMCSP status (for example, applicant's study permit or letter of acceptance)

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Permit Conditions

The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is an employer-specific permit, also known as a closed work permit. You can only work for the employer listed on the permit. If you want to change employers, you must apply for a new permit.

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The permit is usually valid for the duration of your job offer or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. You can renew the permit if your employment continues and you remain eligible.

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Benefits of the Francophone Mobility Program

 

​For Workers
LMIA-exempt work permit with faster processing
No requirement to advertise the job before hiring
Possibility to bring spouse and children
Access to Canadian work experience
Pathway to permanent residence
Supports integration into Francophone communities

For Employers
No LMIA or recruitment advertising required
Lower costs and quicker hiring process
Access to French-speaking talent from around the world
Contributes to Canada’s bilingual and multicultural workforce

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Pathways to Permanent Residence

Many workers on this permit later apply for permanent residence through one of several programs:

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Express Entry
French-speaking candidates receive extra CRS points through Express Entry, and may be invited through category-based draws for French proficiency with lower cut-offs.

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Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (TNP)
Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have PNP streams that target Francophone workers.

NWT has TNP stream that targets Francophone workers. 

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Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilots
Canada also offers special pathways for French-speaking workers in smaller communities:

• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) – For those with job offers in Francophone minority communities

• Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – For skilled workers in designated rural areas

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These pilots offer a direct pathway to permanent residence with relaxed eligibility criteria.

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Fast and Simple Pathway
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit offers a faster and simpler immigration path for French-speaking workers who want to settle and work in Canada outside Quebec. With no LMIA requirement, a supportive policy environment, and direct access to permanent residence options, it is a powerful tool for both applicants and employers.