Francophone Mobility Work Permit (Mobilité Francophone): Work in Canada Without an LMIA For French-Speaking Professionals Outside Quebec
Canada’s Francophone Mobility Work Permit allows qualified French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It’s one of the most flexible and efficient ways to build Canadian work experience and can lead to permanent residence through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
What Is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?
The Francophone Mobility stream is part of the International Mobility Program (IMP). It was created to encourage more French-speaking skilled workers to work in Canada.
This work permit:
- Does not require an LMIA
- Can be valid for up to 3 years
- Is employer-specific, meaning you need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Supports Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Eligibility for a Canadian Work Permit
You must meet the standard eligibility requirements to apply for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP). This includes having a clean immigration history, admissibility to Canada, and valid documents.
Live and Work Outside Quebec
Applicants must intend to live and work in one of Canada’s provinces or territories outside Quebec. This stream specifically supports Francophone minority communities across the country, excluding Quebec.
French Language Skills
You must demonstrate intermediate-level French language ability in speaking and listening.
- This is equivalent to NCLC Level 5 or higher (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).
- Language ability may be assessed through supporting documentation or by an immigration officer.
Eligible Job Offer
You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in any occupation that falls under the TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 categories of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Exception: You are not eligible if the job offer is for a primary agriculture occupation under TEER 4 or 5.
Eligible Occupations
This program is open to workers in essentially all occupations, including:
- Healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses, lab techs, physiotherapists)
- Engineers and IT specialists
- Early childhood educators and teachers
- Skilled tradespeople
- Managers and administrators
If you are unsure whether your job offer qualifies, we can help assess it.
Steps Your Canadian Employer Must Take
Before you can apply for a Francophone Mobility Work Permit, your Canadian employer must complete a few key steps:
- Submit an Offer of Employment
Your employer must submit the job offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal, using the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption code C16, which applies to Mobilité Francophone.
- Pay the Employer Compliance Fee
A $230 CAD employer compliance fee must be paid at the time of submission.
- Provide You with an Offer of Employment Number
Once submitted, the employer will receive a 7-digit offer of employment number that must be included in the work permit application.
What Are the Benefits?
- No LMIA required, reducing wait times and complexity
- Gain Canadian work experience to support future PR pathways
- Be part of a Francophone minority community outside Quebec
- Bring eligible family members with open work or study permits
- Lay the foundation for Express Entry, PNP, or other PR programs
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many candidates who come to Canada through Mobilité Francophone go on to apply for permanent residence through:
- Express Entry – French-speaking Category-Based Selection
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that favour French speakers
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
- Canadian Experience Class, after gaining one year of work experience
Our team at Doherty Fultz Immigration can guide you through the full immigration journey from temporary work to permanent residence.
How We Help
We support French-speaking applicants and Canadian employers throughout the process:
- Assessing your eligibility and occupation classification
- Preparing and submitting your work permit application
- Assisting with employer compliance and job offer letters
- Coordinating family applications (spouses, children)
- Planning your transition to permanent residency
Whether you already have a job offer or are just getting started, our team can help you take advantage of this unique work permit stream.
Ready to Work in Canada as a French-Speaking Professional?
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is one of the best-kept secrets in Canadian immigration. If you speak French and want to work in Canada without the delays of an LMIA, this stream is for you.
Book a consultation to discuss your eligibility
