June 27, 2023

Expansion of Canada’s Francophone Mobility Program

As of 15 June 2023, the Francophone Mobility Program has been expanded for a period of two years. Under the new initiative, a Canadian employer can make a job offer to a French speaker for occupations in any skill level, with the exception of jobs in primary agriculture. The Program was initially reserved for high-skilled job offers, but now it includes lower skilled jobs (e.g., TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations), allowing more French-speaking foreign workers to benefit from the Program.

The French language proficiency criteria only requires a moderate language proficiency of French for speaking and listening (equivalent to a CLB/ NCLC level 5 or higher). Applicants must provide proof that they meet the language requirements. The documentary evidence can include, but is not limited to, TEF/ TCF results and completion of a program in French from a college or university.

Applicants must also be planning to work and live outside Quebec.

Before the foreign worker applies for a work permit, the employer must submit an offer of employment to IRCC through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee.

Immigration legislation and policies change frequently. This article is prepared for information only and it is not intended to be legal advice. For further advice on the Francophone Mobility work permit, please consult one of our team members.