Francophone Mobility Work Permit

An LMIA-exempt work permit for French-speaking skilled workers taking almost any job anywhere in Canada except Quebec. Eligible applicants don't need to be born or live in a country where French is the primary language. Instead, applicants must prove basic proficiency in speaking and listening. This pathway can be used to bring skilled workers from outside Canada and to extend work authorization of existing foreign workers in Canada.

Francophone Mobility lets Canadian employers hire or retain French-speaking foreign workers for jobs anywhere in Canada outside Quebec without an LMIA. It exists to strengthen French-speaking communities across the rest of Canada and covers a broad range of skilled occupations. Besides the location of work, there are few limitations: Canadian employers can use this category for any occupation except low-skilled jobs in the primary agriculture sector, meaning jobs at TEER level 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification index.

Because there's no labour market test, it's faster and cheaper than a standard LMIA, a strong option whenever the candidate can speak and understand French. The Canadian employer must submit an online offer of employment through their designated IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 employer compliance fee to generate a unique code that the foreign worker requires to apply for their work permit.