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Francophone Mobility work permit: who qualifies
The Francophone Mobility work permit lets a French-speaking worker take a job anywhere in Canada outside Quebec without an LMIA. You need at least NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, and the job can be in almost any occupation.
Who is eligible
- French at NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. A TEF Canada or TCF Canada result is the usual proof. Reading and writing are not assessed for this permit.
- A job offer from an employer in a province or territory outside Quebec.
- The job can be in any TEER level (0 to 5), except TEER 4 and 5 jobs in primary agriculture.
- You meet the usual work permit and admissibility rules.
Before June 15, 2023, the rules were stricter: NCLC 7 and only TEER 0 to 3 jobs. Old blog posts often still quote those limits.
What the employer does
- Submits the offer in the IRCC Employer Portal using exemption code C16.
- Pays the $230 employer compliance fee.
- Gives you the offer of employment number. It is 7 characters long and starts with "A".
What you pay
The work permit fee is $155 and biometrics are $85, if you need to give them. You apply with the offer number from your employer.
From work permit to PR
Skilled work done on this permit can count toward the Canadian Experience Class, and strong French scores also matter for Express Entry. NCLC 7 in all four abilities adds 25 or 50 extra CRS points, and IRCC often runs French-language draws with lower cut-offs than CEC draws. See the latest Express Entry draws and convert your TEF or TCF scores.
FAQ
Does Francophone Mobility need an LMIA?
No. It is LMIA-exempt under code C16. The employer still submits the offer in the Employer Portal and pays the $230 compliance fee.
Can I use Francophone Mobility for a job in Quebec?
No. The job must be outside Quebec.
What French level do I need?
NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening.