Canada expands the Francophone Mobility Program to increase Francophone immigration

Francophone Mobility: Hire French-speaking or bilingual temporary foreign workers


Francophone Mobility facilitates procedures for French-speaking candidates whose workplace will be in any province or territory outside of Quebec by exempting employers from the need to obtain a labour market impact assessment.


How to apply 

To be eligible

  • Obtain a job offer in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities category 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, with the exception of primary agricultural occupations.
  • Have intermediate level French-language skills for oral expression and comprehension (equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 or higher).

Note: The language of work does not need to be French.


Important highlights

  • In the context of Francophone Mobility, work permits are generally issued for the duration of the offer of employment and are renewable.
  • Candidates wishing to settle in Canada for a longer period are encouraged to apply for permanent residence as soon as they’re eligible.
  • If the offer of employment is for 6 months or more
    • An application for an open work permit may be submitted at the same time for the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner and their dependants.
    • Dependent children may also apply to accompany their parent and study in Canada.


Note to employers

  • The Canadian employer must submit an offer of employment through the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada Employer Portal.
  • The employer must pay the $230 employer compliance fee (refundable if the work permit application is refused or if the offer is withdrawn before the work permit is issued).
  • The Canadian employer must provide the offer of employment number and all documents related to the offer of employment to the temporary worker.
  • The International Mobility Workers Unit can help employers determine if the temporary worker they want to hire is exempt from the labour market impact assessment process or exempt from obtaining a work permit.


For more information visit canada.ca/franco-mobility