Who’s Eligible for a Francophone Mobility Work Permit (C‑16)?

The program aims to increase the presence of Francophones in Canadian communities.

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

Canada’s immigration system has pathways not just for the highly skilled or those with corporate transfers, but also for French-speaking professionals who want to live and work outside of Quebec.

The Francophone Mobility Program, coded C-16 under IRPR R205(b), is an LMIA-exempt work permit designed to encourage the growth of Francophone communities across Canada.

The job itself does not need to require French or be conducted in French. The position can be entirely in English. What matters is that the applicant (the person applying for the work permit) can demonstrate intermediate French-language ability in speaking and listening.

This program is about increasing the presence of Francophones in Canadian communities, not about making every job bilingual.

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Have intermediate French-language ability (NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening)

• Provide proof of language ability, either through a recognized language test or education in French

• Have a valid job offer from an employer located outside of Quebec

• Apply for a position that is any occupation under TEER 0 to 5, excluding primary agriculture at lower skill levels

The employer must:

• Submit an Offer of Employment using exemption code C16 in the Employer Portal

• Pay the $230 compliance fee

• Provide a job offer that aligns with federal or provincial employment standards

The worker must:

• Apply online and include the Offer of Employment number, proof of French proficiency, job offer documents, and identification

• Complete biometrics and a medical exam if the job requires one

Work permits are typically issued for the length of the job offer or passport validity and can be renewed. The program applies across Canada, except in Quebec, which manages its own employer-sponsored immigration. Importantly, this permit also allows for family reunification, spouses may be eligible for an open work permit, and children can study in Canada under appropriate conditions.

Although this work permit is not a direct permanent residence stream, it’s a strategic tool for building Canadian work experience and increasing competitiveness for Express Entry or provincial nomination programs. French-speaking applicants also benefit from additional points in many economic immigration streams.

The Francophone Mobility work permit offers a meaningful opportunity for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking to establish themselves in Canada while contributing to the vitality of Francophone communities.

If you are ready to add 🌶️ to your 🇨🇦 immigration plan, book some time with Westdale Immigration Consulting Inc.