Francophone Mobility Program (C16): French Proof Documents, Eligibility & How to Apply

If you speak French and have a job offer from a Canadian employer outside Quebec, there is a fast, LMIA‑exempt work permit pathway that could get you to Canada in weeks instead of months.

The Francophone Mobility Program – also known as the C16 work permit or Mobilité Francophone – allows Canadian employers to hire French‑speaking foreign workers without going through the costly and time‑consuming Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. The program was created to promote the French language in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.

This guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility, French language requirements, accepted proof documents, the application process, and links to official government resources.

What is the Francophone Mobility Program?

The Francophone Mobility Program is a federal work permit pathway under the International Mobility Program (IMP). It allows employers in any province or territory outside Quebec to hire French‑speaking foreign workers without an LMIA.

The program was expanded significantly on June 15, 2023. Before that date, it was limited to high‑skilled occupations (TEER 0–3) and required NCLC 7. Today, it is open to all occupations – from skilled professionals to entry‑level roles like cashiers, kitchen helpers, and warehouse workers – as long as the applicant meets the French language requirement.

The administrative code for this work permit is C16. It is also sometimes referred to as Mobilité Francophone.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Francophone Mobility work permit, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work outside Quebec: You must live and work in one of the 9 Canadian provinces or 3 territories outside Quebec.
• Job offer: You must have a genuine offer of employment from a Canadian employer for a position outside Quebec.
• Any occupation: The job can be classified under any TEER category (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Exception: If the job is in primary agriculture under TEER 4 or 5, you are not eligible. However, primary agriculture jobs in TEER 0–3 remain eligible.
• French proficiency: You must prove that your speaking and listening skills in French are at an intermediate level – equivalent to NCLC/CLB level 5 or higher.
• General work permit requirements: You must meet the standard eligibility criteria for a Canadian work permit (e.g., admissibility, valid passport, etc.).

French proof documents: What is accepted?

You must provide objective evidence that you can speak and understand French at an intermediate level. Accepted proof includes:

1. Official French language test results

The cleanest and most straightforward proof is a recognized French test result showing NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. Accepted tests include:

• TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) – speaking and listening modules
• TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada) – speaking and listening modules

Unlike the TEF/TCF Canada required for Express Entry (which tests all four skills), the C16 stream only requires results for oral comprehension (listening) and oral expression (speaking).

2. Education in French

You can also provide written confirmation from a college or university that you completed a program of study in French. This can be:

• A transcript showing courses were completed in French
• An official letter of completion from the institution
• A diploma or degree from a French‑language program

3. Other supporting documents

In some cases, officers may accept other documents that demonstrate habitual French use, but test results or French‑medium education are the preferred forms of evidence.

How to apply: Step‑by‑step

The application process involves both you and your employer. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Your employer submits the offer

Before you apply, your Canadian employer must:

• Submit an offer of employment to IRCC through the Employer Portal using the LMIA exemption code C16 – Mobilité Francophone.
• Pay a $230 employer compliance fee.
• Provide you with an offer of employment number – a 7‑digit number you will need for your application.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Gather the following:

• Valid passport
• Job offer letter
• Offer of employment number (from your employer)
• Proof of French language ability (test results or education documents)
• Any other documents required by your personalized checklist

Step 3: Apply online

Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Create or sign in to your IRCC online account.
• Go to the Start your application section and click Apply to come to Canada.
• Scroll down to I do not have a personal reference code and click the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
• On the next page, select Work.
• Answer the questions to generate your personalized document checklist.
• When asked about your job offer, select A work permit with a Labour Market Impact Assessment exemption.
• Upload your documents, including your proof of French ability under the Client information section.
• Pay the fees and submit your application.

Step 4: After you apply

If your application is approved, you will receive a port of entry letter. This is not your work permit – you must present this letter (along with other required documents) at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada to receive your actual work permit.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting the wrong test results: The C16 stream only requires speaking and listening. You do not need to submit reading and writing results, and failing those modules does not affect your eligibility.
• Applying without your employer's offer number: You cannot apply until your employer has submitted the offer through the Employer Portal and given you the 7‑digit number.
• Job in primary agriculture (TEER 4 or 5): These occupations are not eligible under C16. Check the NOC code carefully.
• Job located in Quebec: The program is only for positions outside Quebec.
• Assuming any French document will work: While officers have some discretion, the safest approach is to submit official test results or a French‑medium education transcript.

Why the Francophone Mobility program matters

This program is one of the fastest ways to start working in Canada. By skipping the LMIA process – which can take 6 to 12 months – applicants can secure work authorization in weeks rather than months. It is also a valuable stepping stone to permanent residence, as Canadian work experience gained through this permit can help you qualify for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

In addition, the program supports Canada's goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec – a key federal priority.

Official resources

Here are the essential Government of Canada pages you need:

• Francophone Mobility – Check if you can apply: Official eligibility page – The complete eligibility requirements.
• Francophone Mobility – How to apply: Official application guide – Step‑by‑step instructions for online applications.
• Francophone Mobility – Operational instructions (IRCC staff): Detailed policy and procedures – The official regulatory framework.
• Employer Portal: Employer Portal – Where your employer submits the job offer.
• Find your NOC code: NOC search tool – Check your occupation's TEER category.
• IRCC online account: Create or sign in – Where you submit your application.

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