Francophone Mobility Work Permit Canada: C16 Guide 2026

1. What Is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?

The Francophone Mobility Work Permit is an LMIA-exempt Canadian work permit pathway that helps employers outside Quebec hire eligible French-speaking or bilingual foreign workers.

It operates under Canada's International Mobility Program and uses LMIA exemption code C16.

For applications submitted on or after June 15, 2023, an applicant generally needs to:

• meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit;
• intend to live and work outside Quebec;
• demonstrate French speaking and listening ability equivalent to at least NCLC 5; and
• have a qualifying Canadian job offer.

The employer does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment if the worker and employment meet the Francophone Mobility requirements.

For the broader Canadian work authorization framework, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .

2. Why Canada Has the Francophone Mobility Program

Francophone Mobility supports the development of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec by making it easier for Canadian employers to recruit French-speaking foreign workers.

Instead of requiring the employer to obtain an LMIA through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, eligible employment is facilitated through the International Mobility Program.

This distinction is important.

Francophone Mobility is not based on an employer proving that no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the position.

Eligibility instead depends on satisfying the specific requirements of the C16 LMIA exemption.

3. Does Francophone Mobility Require an LMIA?

No.

Francophone Mobility is an LMIA-exempt work permit category.

A qualifying employer therefore does not need to apply to Employment and Social Development Canada for a Labour Market Impact Assessment before hiring the worker under C16.

However, LMIA exemption does not mean that the employer has no immigration obligations.

Before the worker applies, the employer normally must:

• submit the employment offer through IRCC's Employer Portal;
• select LMIA exemption code C16;
• pay the employer compliance fee; and
• provide the resulting offer of employment number to the worker.

For the broader framework, see the LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada guide .

4. Francophone Mobility Eligibility Requirements

For an application submitted on or after June 15, 2023, the applicant must generally satisfy four central requirements.

Meeting only one or two of these conditions is not sufficient.

The applicant must also remain admissible to Canada and satisfy the officer that the general requirements for temporary work authorization are met.

5. Francophone Mobility Is for Work Outside Quebec

Francophone Mobility is specifically designed for French-speaking workers who will live and work outside Quebec.

Eligible destinations therefore include:

• Ontario;
• British Columbia;
• Alberta;
• Saskatchewan;
• Manitoba;
• New Brunswick;
• Nova Scotia;
• Prince Edward Island;
• Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Yukon;
• Northwest Territories; and
• Nunavut.

A position located in Quebec does not qualify for the C16 Francophone Mobility exemption.

6. How Much French Do You Need for Francophone Mobility?

For current applications, the applicant must demonstrate French speaking and listening ability at an intermediate level.

IRCC identifies this as equivalent to NCLC 5 or higher.

This is significantly different from the rules that applied before June 15, 2023.

Older online material may refer to a higher French threshold or to eligibility being limited to higher-skilled occupations.

Those older requirements should not be used for a current application.

7. Do You Need NCLC 5 in Reading and Writing?

No.

Under the current Francophone Mobility requirements, the language assessment focuses on:

• French speaking; and
• French listening.

IRCC expressly states that applicants do not need to prove that they can read or write in French for this LMIA exemption.

This should not be confused with the French requirements used by permanent residence programs such as Express Entry, where language testing rules can be different.

8. How to Prove French Ability for Francophone Mobility

The applicant must provide evidence that supports the required French speaking and listening ability.

IRCC identifies several possible forms of evidence.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, this can include:

• speaking and listening results from the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF);
• speaking and listening results from the Test de connaissance du français (TCF);
• a transcript from a French-language college or university program;
• an official letter confirming completion of a program in French; or
• other credible documents demonstrating education in French.

IRCC instructs applicants to upload their proof of French language ability in the Client information field of the work permit application.

9. Is TEF or TCF Mandatory for Francophone Mobility?

A standardized French test is not the only type of evidence identified by IRCC for Francophone Mobility.

IRCC's current instructions also recognize evidence such as French-language post-secondary education.

Nevertheless, the evidence submitted must credibly demonstrate the required intermediate speaking and listening ability.

Where documentary evidence of French education is ambiguous or does not clearly establish oral proficiency, standardized language results can provide more objective evidence.

10. Does the Job Have to Be in French?

No.

Francophone Mobility does not require the employee to perform the job primarily in French.

The program focuses on the worker's French speaking and listening ability and their contribution to Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

A qualifying French-speaking worker can therefore potentially use Francophone Mobility for a position where the day-to-day workplace language is English.

11. Which Jobs Qualify for Francophone Mobility?

Since June 15, 2023, Francophone Mobility has been substantially broader than under the former rules.

A qualifying employment offer can generally be in:

• TEER 0;
• TEER 1;
• TEER 2;
• TEER 3;
• TEER 4; or
• TEER 5.

The important exception is an offer for a primary agriculture occupation in TEER 4 or TEER 5 .

Those primary-agriculture positions are excluded from the current Francophone Mobility expansion.

12. Francophone Mobility Is No Longer Limited to TEER 0–3

One of the most important changes to Francophone Mobility took effect on June 15, 2023.

Before that change, the program was generally limited to occupations classified in higher NOC skill categories.

Under the current framework, qualifying employment can be in any TEER category, subject to the primary-agriculture exclusion for TEER 4 and 5.

This means that a current assessment should not reject an otherwise eligible worker simply because the job is classified as TEER 4 or TEER 5.

13. Do You Need a Canadian Job Offer?

Yes.

Francophone Mobility is not an open work permit program that allows a worker to come to Canada first and then look for any employer.

The applicant needs a qualifying offer of employment from a Canadian employer outside Quebec.

The employer must complete the required International Mobility Program employer process before the worker submits the work permit application.

The job offer should accurately identify matters such as:

• occupation;
• NOC code;
• duties;
• wage;
• benefits;
• hours;
• work location; and
• employment duration.

14. Employer Portal Requirements for C16

Before the worker applies for a Francophone Mobility work permit, the Canadian employer must normally complete the Employer Portal process.

The employer must:

1. sign in to or create an Employer Portal account;
2. submit an offer of employment;
3. use LMIA exemption code C16 for Mobilité Francophone;
4. pay the employer compliance fee; and
5. give the worker the offer of employment number and signed employment offer.

The worker should not submit the work permit application before the required employer-side steps are completed.

15. Francophone Mobility Offer of Employment Number

Once the employer submits the qualifying offer through the Employer Portal, the employer receives an offer of employment number.

IRCC's current Francophone Mobility instructions describe this as a 7-digit number required for the worker's application.

The employer should provide the worker with:

• the offer of employment number; and
• the signed employment offer.

The worker uses the employer submission as part of the employer-specific work permit application.

16. Francophone Mobility Employer Compliance Fee

The current employer compliance fee for a standard Francophone Mobility offer is $230.

The employer pays this fee when completing the required Employer Portal submission.

This fee is different from the worker's work permit processing fee.

It also does not convert the process into an LMIA application.

C16 remains an LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program category.

17. Francophone Mobility Work Permit Fees in 2026

Francophone Mobility normally produces an employer-specific work permit.

The additional $100 open work permit holder fee therefore does not apply to the C16 permit itself.

Government fees can change, so the applicable IRCC fee schedule should be checked before submission.

See the Canada Work Permit Fees and Biometrics guide .

18. Is Francophone Mobility an Open Work Permit?

No.

Francophone Mobility normally results in an employer-specific work permit.

The authorization is connected to the employment described in the approved application.

The permit can therefore contain conditions identifying matters such as:

• the employer;
• occupation;
• work location; and
• authorized period of employment.

A worker who later wants to move to another employer normally needs appropriate new work authorization before beginning the new employment.

See the Employer-Specific Work Permit Canada guide .

19. Canadian Employer Requirements

The existence of a French-speaking candidate does not eliminate the employer's responsibilities under the International Mobility Program.

The employer should be a genuine Canadian employer offering legitimate employment and must accurately complete the Employer Portal submission.

The employment terms entered in the portal should correspond with the actual position, including:

• job duties;
• NOC classification;
• wage;
• benefits;
• hours of work;
• work location; and
• duration.

Employers hiring under the International Mobility Program are subject to Canada's employer compliance regime.

20. Wage and Employment Terms

An LMIA is not required under C16, but the employment offer must still be genuine and credible.

The wage, duties and conditions should be consistent with the position described in the application and Employer Portal submission.

Employers should not treat Francophone Mobility as a mechanism for avoiding Canadian employment standards or International Mobility Program compliance requirements.

Once the worker is employed, the employer is expected to provide employment that corresponds with the terms submitted to IRCC, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.

21. Francophone Mobility Document Checklist

The exact documents depend on the applicant and the employment, but a Francophone Mobility application can include:

• valid passport;
• work permit application forms;
• signed employment offer;
• Employer Portal offer number;
• evidence of French speaking and listening ability;
• TEF or TCF results where used;
• French-language education records where relied upon;
• CV or résumé;
• education credentials;
• professional qualifications;
• evidence that the applicant can perform the offered work;
• occupational licence or registration where required;
• evidence relating to temporary residence;
• medical examination evidence where required;
• biometrics where required; and
• supporting explanation addressing C16 eligibility where appropriate.

See also the Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .

22. How to Apply for a Francophone Mobility Work Permit

1. Confirm that the proposed employment is outside Quebec.
2. Confirm that the occupation qualifies under the current C16 rules.
3. Confirm that the worker can demonstrate at least NCLC 5-equivalent French speaking and listening ability.
4. Prepare the employment offer and supporting employment information.
5. Have the Canadian employer submit the offer through the Employer Portal using exemption code C16.
6. Have the employer pay the $230 employer compliance fee.
7. Obtain the offer of employment number and signed employment offer.
8. Prepare the worker's supporting documents, including French-language evidence.
9. Submit the work permit application using the applicable Francophone Mobility instructions.
10. Complete biometrics and a medical examination where required.

See the How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada .

23. Can You Apply for Francophone Mobility from Inside Canada?

A foreign national in Canada may be able to apply for a Francophone Mobility work permit from inside Canada if they are eligible to make an in-Canada work permit application under the applicable immigration rules.

Being physically present in Canada does not by itself create eligibility to apply from inside Canada.

The applicant must satisfy both:

• the substantive Francophone Mobility requirements; and
• the rules governing who may submit a work permit application from inside Canada.

The employer must also complete the required C16 Employer Portal process before the worker submits the application.

24. Can You Apply for Francophone Mobility at a Port of Entry?

Some foreign nationals may be eligible to apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry, but most people cannot simply choose port-of-entry processing.

Eligibility depends on the applicant's circumstances, citizenship or travel-document requirements and the current work permit rules.

Most foreign nationals who are already in Canada can no longer leave Canada and use the border simply to make a new work permit application.

Where a port-of-entry application is legally available, the applicant must still establish all C16 requirements and bring the necessary employer, language and work permit documentation.

25. Francophone Mobility Processing Time

There is no single guaranteed processing time for every Francophone Mobility application.

Processing depends on factors such as:

• where the application is submitted;
• application completeness;
• biometrics;
• medical examination requirements;
• background screening;
• case complexity; and
• IRCC processing volumes.

Applicants should use IRCC's current processing time tool rather than relying on historical processing times quoted in older articles.

26. How Long Is a Francophone Mobility Work Permit Valid?

Francophone Mobility does not have one universal permit length applicable to every worker.

The authorized period can depend on:

• the employment offer;
• requested duration;
• passport validity;
• the officer's assessment; and
• other immigration or program-specific limitations.

The work permit cannot simply be assumed to last for a particular number of years because another C16 applicant received a permit of that length.

27. Can a Francophone Mobility Work Permit Be Extended?

A worker may be able to obtain another Francophone Mobility work permit if the requirements continue to be satisfied.

For an employer-specific extension, the employer normally needs to complete the required employer-side process for the new application, including a new Employer Portal submission where applicable.

The worker should apply before the existing permit expires if they want to preserve the benefits that can arise from maintained status under the applicable rules.

An extension is a new immigration assessment and should not be treated as automatic.

See the Canada Work Permit Extension guide .

28. Can a Francophone Mobility Worker Change Employers?

A C16 work permit is normally employer-specific.

A worker should therefore not assume that an existing Francophone Mobility permit authorizes employment with a new company.

If the new employer and worker continue to meet the Francophone Mobility requirements, the new employer can potentially support a new C16 work permit application.

The new employer would normally need to complete its own Employer Portal submission before the worker applies.

Where the worker is already in Canada, separate rules can determine when the worker may legally begin working for the new employer.

29. Can the Spouse of a Francophone Mobility Worker Get an Open Work Permit?

A spouse or common-law partner is not automatically eligible for an open work permit merely because the principal applicant holds a Francophone Mobility permit.

Canada's family open work permit rules were substantially restricted beginning January 21, 2025.

Eligibility can depend on factors including:

• the principal worker's occupation;
• the NOC TEER category;
• whether the occupation falls within an eligible priority sector or occupation where applicable;
• the remaining validity of the principal worker's authorization; and
• the specific family work permit category relied upon.

Family work authorization should therefore be assessed separately under the rules in force when the spouse applies.

See the Spousal Open Work Permit Canada for Foreign Workers .

30. Can Francophone Mobility Lead to Permanent Residence?

Francophone Mobility is a temporary work permit pathway, not a permanent residence program.

However, qualifying Canadian work experience and stronger French-language ability can become relevant to a separate permanent residence strategy.

Depending on the worker's circumstances, potential pathways can include:

• Express Entry;
• Canadian Experience Class;
• Federal Skilled Worker Program;
• French-language Express Entry selection;
• Provincial Nominee Programs;
• provincial Francophone immigration initiatives; and
• other federal or regional programs where the applicant independently qualifies.

Eligibility for a C16 work permit does not guarantee eligibility for permanent residence.

For the federal permanent residence framework, see the Express Entry Canada Complete Guide .

31. Francophone Mobility vs. French-Language Express Entry

Francophone Mobility and French-language selection under Express Entry should not be confused.

A worker can potentially use Francophone Mobility for temporary work and later pursue Express Entry if independently eligible, but the requirements of the two systems must be assessed separately.

32. Advantages of Francophone Mobility

Where the requirements are met, Francophone Mobility can provide several practical advantages.

• No LMIA is required.
• The employer does not need to establish a labour shortage through the LMIA process.
• The current French threshold is NCLC 5 for speaking and listening.
• Reading and writing are not part of the C16 French eligibility threshold.
• Jobs can generally be in any NOC TEER category.
• The job itself does not have to require French.
• The program can support employers throughout Canada outside Quebec.

These advantages do not remove the need for a genuine job offer, employer compliance and a complete work permit application.

33. Common Francophone Mobility Refusal Risks

Insufficient proof of French

The evidence should credibly demonstrate at least intermediate French speaking and listening ability equivalent to NCLC 5.

Using outdated eligibility rules

Applications should be assessed under the post-June 15, 2023 framework rather than older rules referring to NCLC 7 or limiting eligibility to higher-skilled occupations.

Employment in Quebec

C16 Francophone Mobility is for workers who will live and work outside Quebec.

Ineligible primary-agriculture employment

Primary-agriculture occupations classified in TEER 4 or 5 are excluded.

Incorrect NOC classification

The NOC should reflect the actual duties rather than a title selected merely to fit an immigration strategy.

Employer Portal errors

The employer must use the appropriate exemption code and accurately submit the employment information before the worker applies.

Inconsistency between the offer and application

Duties, wage, location, duration and other employment details should be consistent across the supporting documents.

Applicant cannot perform the job

Francophone Mobility does not eliminate the need to demonstrate that the worker is qualified to perform the offered employment where this is in issue.

Regulated occupation problems

Immigration authorization does not replace provincial or territorial licensing requirements for a regulated profession or trade.

General work permit concerns

The applicant must still satisfy the general eligibility and admissibility requirements for temporary work in Canada.

34. Francophone Mobility Eligibility Checklist

35. Francophone Mobility Work Permit FAQs

What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit?

It is an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit pathway that allows eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to work for Canadian employers outside Quebec.

What is the Francophone Mobility LMIA exemption code?

The Employer Portal exemption code is C16.

Do I need an LMIA for Francophone Mobility?

No. Francophone Mobility is an LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program category.

What French level do I need?

For current applications, you must demonstrate French speaking and listening ability equivalent to NCLC 5 or higher.

Do I need NCLC 5 in all four language abilities?

No. The current C16 French requirement focuses on speaking and listening. IRCC states that reading and writing do not need to be proven for this LMIA exemption.

Do I need TEF or TCF?

TEF or TCF results can be used, but IRCC also identifies other possible evidence, including documentation of French-language post-secondary education.

Does my job have to be in French?

No. The position itself does not need to require French.

Can I work in an English-speaking workplace?

Potentially yes. The applicant's qualifying French ability is distinct from the language normally used to perform the job.

Can I use Francophone Mobility to work in Quebec?

No. The worker must intend to live and work outside Quebec.

Which provinces qualify?

All nine provinces other than Quebec and all three territories can qualify.

Which TEER categories qualify?

Current rules generally permit jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, except primary-agriculture occupations in TEER 4 and 5.

Is Francophone Mobility only for skilled jobs?

No. Since June 15, 2023, eligibility has been expanded beyond the former higher-skilled occupational categories.

Do I need a Canadian job offer?

Yes. Francophone Mobility is based on qualifying employer-specific employment outside Quebec.

Does the employer need to use the Employer Portal?

Yes, in the standard C16 process the employer submits the offer through the Employer Portal before the worker applies.

How much is the employer compliance fee?

The current fee is $230.

How much is the worker's application fee?

The current work permit processing fee is $155.

Do I pay the $100 open work permit fee?

Not for the C16 permit itself because Francophone Mobility normally results in an employer-specific work permit rather than an open work permit.

Is Francophone Mobility an open work permit?

No. It normally produces an employer-specific work permit.

Can I change employers?

You generally need appropriate authorization for the new employer. If the new employment also qualifies for C16, the new employer can potentially support a new Francophone Mobility application.

Can I extend a Francophone Mobility work permit?

Potentially, if the requirements continue to be met. A new employer-side submission and a new work permit assessment may be required.

Can my spouse get an open work permit?

Not automatically. Spousal open work permit eligibility is assessed separately under the current family work permit rules.

Does Francophone Mobility give permanent residence?

No. It is a temporary work permit pathway.

Can Canadian work experience under C16 help with Express Entry?

Qualifying authorized Canadian work experience can potentially become relevant to a separate Express Entry strategy if the applicant satisfies the requirements of an Express Entry program.

Is NCLC 5 enough for French-language Express Entry selection?

The C16 threshold should not be confused with Express Entry language requirements. Permanent residence programs have their own eligibility and language rules.