Francophone Mobility Work Permit Program: LMIA-exempt Work Permit
- Gateway to Canada
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Are you dreaming of working in Canada or extending your work permit? If you can speak French — even at an intermediate level — there’s a faster, easier way to get a Canadian work permit, and it doesn’t require your employer to go through a lengthy Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application process.
It’s called the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, and it’s designed to attract French-speaking foreign workers who want to live and work outside Quebec.
What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit makes it easier for Canadian employers to hire qualified French-speaking foreign workers — no LMIA needed — as long as you meet certain requirements and will work outside Quebec.
It’s part of Canada’s efforts to strengthen Francophone communities across the country.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re applying on or after June 15, 2023, you must:
Meet the general eligibility requirements for a Canadian work permit
Plan to live and work in any province or territory except Quebec
Prove that your French speaking and listening skills are at least NCLC Level 5 (intermediate level)
Have a valid job offer in any TEER category of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) — except for primary agriculture jobs under TEER 4 and 5
You don’t need to be fluent, but you must be able to speak and understand French well enough to function in a Canadian workplace.
If you applied before June 15, 2023, different rules applied, but for most applicants now, the updated version above is what counts.
Why Learn French Now?
Even if you’re not yet ready to apply, learning French gives you a real advantage. Here’s why:
It opens doors. This program gives you a simplified work-permit path compared to traditional routes that require LMIA.
You only need to prove speaking and listening. Reading and writing are not required for this exemption.
More job opportunities. Many Canadian employers outside Quebec are looking for bilingual workers — especially in customer service, healthcare, administration, and tourism.
Global skill, lifelong benefit. Learning French improves your career prospects beyond
Canada — it’s the fifth most spoken language worldwide.
So if you’ve ever thought about learning another language, now is the time. French isn’t just culture — it’s opportunity.
Bring Your Family Too
Your spouse or common-law partner may also qualify for an open work permit while you’re in Canada, and your dependent children can study in Canada while you work.
Your spouse can apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school or university. They may also need a study permit — check the requirements when applying.
That means the Francophone Mobility Work Permit isn’t just a work pathway — it’s a family pathway.
What Your Canadian Employer Must Do
Before you apply, your employer must:
Submit your job offer to IRCC through the Employer Portal using LMIA exemption code C16 (Mobilité Francophone)
Pay the $230 employer compliance fee
Provide you with an offer of employment number (a 7-digit code required for your application)
Once you receive that number, you’ll be ready to complete your work permit application.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you want to make the most of this opportunity, start learning French today.
Here’s how you can begin:
Enroll in a local or online French course focused on speaking and listening
Practice regularly — listen to French podcasts, watch movies, or join conversation clubs
Take a recognized test like TEF Canada or TCF Canada to prove your level
Keep your test certificate — you’ll need it for your application
Once you reach NCLC 5 or higher, you’ll be eligible to apply under this special program.
The Bottom Line
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is one of the most accessible Canadian work programs — especially if you’re ready to invest in learning French. It can be your ticket to a Canadian job, better immigration prospects, and even permanent residence later on.
Start now. Learn French. Take the test. Your Canadian dream could be closer than you think.
