About

The Francophone Mobility Work Permit allows Canadian employers outside of Quebec to hire foreign workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Normally, employers must prove to the government that no local workers are available before hiring from abroad. With this program, that requirement is waived.

The main goal of the program is to increase the number of French-speaking individuals living and working outside Quebec. However, this does not necessarily mean that you will be working in French once in Canada. In most cases, your workplace will primarily operate in English.

In practice, this program is best suited for bilingual candidates—individuals who speak both French and English—rather than those who only speak French.

Who can apply

To qualify for the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Job Offer: You need a valid offer of employment from a Canadian company. The position can be in almost any field, with the exception of certain agricultural jobs.
  
  
• Location: The job and employer must be based outside Quebec.
  
  
• French Language Ability:
  
  
• If you completed your post-secondary education in French, you can provide your degree, diploma, or a letter from your school confirming that your program of study was in French.
  
  
• If your studies were not in French, you’ll need to take a recognized language test—either the TCF or TEF. A minimum score at the B1 level (NCLC 5 or higher) in speaking and listening is required.
  
  
• Results for reading and writing are not necessary.

The process

Job offers under this program are typically issued for one to three years. For example, if your offer is for two years, your visa and work permit will also be valid for that same period. If your employer wishes to continue your employment, you will have the option to extend your work permit.

Once you receive a job offer, the next step is to apply for a Canadian work visa. After your visa is approved and you travel to Canada, your official work permit will be issued at the airport upon arrival.

Fees

• Work visa (main applicant): CAD 155
  
  
• Spouse: CAD 255
  
  
• Children: CAD 100 or CAD 150 (depending on whether a student visa or visitor visa is required)
  
  
• Biometrics: CAD 85 per person, or a maximum of CAD 170 per family
  
  
• Medical exam: Varies depending on family size and country of residence