Francophone Mobility Work Permit: Work Outside Quebec Without an LMIA
The Francophone Mobility work permit lets a French-speaking worker take a job outside Quebec without an LMIA. You need an intermediate level of spoken French, NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, and a job offer. We check your proof and your employer’s steps before you apply.
since 1991
Who can apply for Francophone Mobility?
You can apply if you meet the general work permit rules, will live and work in a province or territory outside Quebec, and can prove intermediate French at NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. You also need a job offer in any TEER category, except primary agriculture jobs at TEER 4 and 5 (IRCC).
What does your employer have to do?
Your employer submits an offer of employment in the Employer Portal using LMIA exemption code C16 for Mobilité Francophone and pays the CAD$230 compliance fee. They then give you a 7 digit offer number. See the LMIA-exempt hub and the work permits hub.
Key rules at a glance
- Location: you must live and work in one of the 9 provinces or 3 territories outside Quebec.
- French proof: you must show speaking and listening at NCLC 5 or higher. You do not need to prove reading or writing.
- Job level: any TEER level qualifies, except primary agriculture jobs at TEER 4 and 5.
- Employer steps: the employer files the offer with code C16, pays the fee and gives you the offer number.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Francophone Mobility fits if
- You speak French at an intermediate level and can prove it.
- You have a job offer outside Quebec.
- Your employer can file the offer and pay the fee.
Another route fits if
- You want PR in a French-speaking community: see the community immigration pilots.
- You are a US or Mexican citizen: see the CUSMA professionals guide.
- You need a regular LMIA job: read our LMIA work permits guide.
See our work permits hub and the Express Entry guide for PR options for French speakers.
Why Francophone Mobility applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
French proof is weak
You must prove NCLC 5 in speaking and listening with TEF or TCF results, a French program letter or other French education documents.
Job is in Quebec
This permit is only for jobs outside Quebec. You must plan to live and work outside Quebec.
Wrong employer steps
The employer must file the offer with the right code and pay the compliance fee. Without the offer number, you cannot apply.
Excluded job level
Primary agriculture jobs at TEER 4 and 5 do not qualify under this exemption.
Incomplete application
Missing documents or biometrics can return your file. Follow the personalized checklist in your IRCC account.
Not sure your French proof works?
We check your test results or school records and your employer’s steps before you apply.
Steps you cannot skip
Offer number first
Your employer files the offer with code C16 and pays the fee before you apply. You need the 7 digit offer number to complete the application.
If you apply from outside Canada and IRCC approves you, you get a port of entry letter and receive your permit at the border. If you apply inside Canada, IRCC notifies you in your account, and you can start working when you get it.
If you want to stay, apply for permanent residence when you qualify. French skills can add points in Express Entry. See our Express Entry guide.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How Francophone Mobility works, step by step
Six stages from your French proof to your permit.
Prove your French
Get TEF or TCF speaking and listening results, or a French program letter.
Employer files the offer
Your employer files with code C16 and pays the compliance fee.
Get your offer number
Your employer gives you the 7 digit number.
Apply online
Choose the LMIA exemption options and upload your French proof.
Give biometrics
Do this if IRCC asks for it.
Get your permit
Use your port of entry letter or your approval notice, depending on where you applied.
Francophone Mobility costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Francophone Mobility FAQs
What is the Francophone Mobility work permit?
It is an LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit for French-speaking workers who will live and work outside Quebec. Your employer does not need an LMIA. IRCC lists the fee as CAD$155.
What French level do I need?
You need to prove speaking and listening at NCLC 5 or higher. You do not need to prove reading or writing. Applications before 15 June 2023 had a higher standard.
How can I prove my French?
You can submit TEF or TCF results for speaking and listening, a written confirmation from a college or university for a program in French, or other documents that show education in French.
Which jobs qualify?
A job in any TEER category qualifies, except primary agriculture jobs at TEER 4 and 5. The job must be outside Quebec.
Can I work in Quebec with this permit?
No. This exemption is for workers who will live and work in the 9 provinces and 3 territories outside Quebec.
What does my employer have to do?
Your employer submits an offer of employment in the Employer Portal using code C16 for Mobilité Francophone and pays the CAD$230 compliance fee. They then give you the 7 digit offer number.
How much does it cost?
The work permit fee is CAD$155, and your employer pays a CAD$230 compliance fee. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Check the IRCC fee list.
Can I apply from inside Canada?
Yes, if you are eligible to apply in Canada. You can start working when IRCC notifies you in your account. You do not have to wait for the permit in the mail.
Can my spouse and children come?
A spouse or partner may be able to apply for an open work permit, and children may study in Canada. Read our spousal open work permit guide for the current rules.
Can I get permanent residence later?
Yes, if you meet a program’s rules. French skills can help in Express Entry, and some programs favour French speakers. See the community immigration pilots.
What if I change employers?
The permit is employer-specific. A new employer needs a new offer with code C16, and you cannot start the new job until IRCC approves it.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.
