FR
Who it is for
French-speaking foreign workers who want to live and work outside Quebec and have a qualifying Canadian job offer.
Overview
An LMIA-exempt work permit option for eligible French-speaking workers with a qualifying job outside Quebec.
Work permit
LM
LMIA-exempt pathway
Canadian employers use LMIA exemption code C16 under Mobilité Francophone, which can make hiring faster and simpler than a standard LMIA route.
N5
Language level
Applicants should be ready to show intermediate French speaking and listening ability equivalent to NCLC 5 or higher.
Main eligibility points
These are the main points IRCC looks at. Exact documents still depend on the job and the applicant’s situation.
Eligibility at a glance
1
General work permit eligibility
The person must still meet the general work permit rules such as admissibility and documentation.
2
Outside Quebec destination
The intended employment and residence must be in one of the provinces or territories outside Quebec.
3
French ability
Speaking and listening should be at an intermediate level equivalent to NCLC 5 or above.
4
Valid job offer
The offer can be in almost any TEER category, except jobs in primary agriculture under TEER 4 or 5.
How the process works
The employer starts the offer, then the worker files the work permit with the correct exemption details.
Simple journey
1
Employer prepares the offer
The Canadian employer submits the offer through the Employer Portal, uses exemption code C16 and pays the employer compliance fee.
2
Applicant prepares the file
The worker gathers the offer number, identity documents, proof of French ability and other required work permit documents.
3
Work permit application
The application is submitted with the correct employment details and destination outside Quebec.
4
Plan for next step
SIA can guide you on strategy after arrival, including work experience building and long-term PR planning.
Who usually asks about this pathway
Francophone Mobility is often a good fit for French-speaking workers with a real job offer outside Quebec, and for Canadian employers who want an LMIA-exempt hiring option.
✓
French-speaking workers
This pathway is for people who already have, or can obtain, a qualifying job offer outside Quebec and want an LMIA-exempt work permit.
✓
Canadian employers
Employers can use exemption code C16 to hire eligible French-speaking talent without a standard LMIA, when the conditions are met.
✓
Clear government pathway
Francophone Mobility is a specific IRCC-supported option. Check the rules, language level and destination requirements before you file.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions workers and employers ask most often.
Helpful FAQs
Does Francophone Mobility require an LMIA?+
Normally no. It is an LMIA-exempt work permit pathway when the qualifying conditions are met.
Can the job be outside Quebec only?+
Yes. This pathway is designed for foreign nationals who intend to live and work outside Quebec.
What French level should applicants expect?+
Applicants should be prepared to show French speaking and listening ability at NCLC 5 or higher.
Need help with a Francophone Mobility application?
SIA Immigration can review eligibility, job-offer details, document readiness and the best next immigration strategy for eligible French-speaking workers.
