One of Canada’s most remarkable features as a country is bilingualism but, for long French communities outside of Quebec believed to be in minority. Federal government in an attempt to stimulate the growth of French community outside of Quebec tried to fill in the gap by introducing Francophone mobility program in June 2016. Potential applicants that are qualified under this category (requirements are listed below) are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Note that these workers still need to apply for a work permit either at the port of entry or at the Canadian Consulate/Visa Office outside of Canada.

To be eligible for this program the applicant:

• Must speak French as the habitual language of daily use (the work language does not have to be French)
• Has to demonstrate intentions to live outside of Quebec
• Must qualify under National Occupation Classification (NOC) 0, A or B, which stands for managerial, professional, technical or skilled trades occupations

Language Requirement

If the officer reviewing the application is not satisfied that the applicant’s habitual language is French, he/she may require an interview or ask for proof that the foreign worker have reached the level 7 or higher in the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) or Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF).

Application Process

The initial step is for the employer to submit the offer of employment to IRCC, pay the employer compliance fee and provide to the applicant an offer of employment number. Followed by that, the applicant can apply for work permit at the port of entry, from outside of Canada (Canadian Consulate), or from inside Canada (in the case of applicants who are already in Canada). Applicants can benefit from fast track- two weeks- processing of their application if they choose to apply online.

 

Duration and Renewal of Work Permit:

The duration of this LMIA exempt work permit may be whichever is earlier from the below:

• the same duration of the offer of employment or
• until the expiry of the travel document or biometrics.

To renew the work permit there is no need for a new evaluation of the language. Also, the applicant must continue to be employed in managerial, professional, technical or skilled trades occupations (NOC 0, A or B) in provinces or territories outside Quebec.

**Please note that this is just a simple overview of the program. To discuss your situation, whether you are an employee or employer, please reach out to us either by the below section or e-mail to sonia@smblaw.ca