In an effort to promote the French language outside the Province of Quebec and address the Canadian labour shortage, the Federal Government created the Francophone Mobility work permit.
The Francophone Mobility work permit is only available for foreign workers who plan to work outside the Province of Quebec and not in jobs in primary agriculture. To be eligible for the work permit a candidate must have moderate command of the French language. This is equivalent to a level 5 on a language test as accepted by the Federal Government.
One upshot of the Francophone Mobility work permit for Canadian employers is that it does not require them to apply for an LMIA before hiring a foreign worker. Indeed, the Francophone Mobility work permit is LMIA-exempt. A Canadian employer is still required to submit an offer of employment through their employer portal. As an employer specific work permit, an approved applicant must be for the employer stated on the work permit.
There are a number of different ways to prove that one has the requisite French language ability.
This can include:
- Evidence of post-secondary education in French;
- Results from an approved French language test, or;
- Other documents that show education in French.
The Francophone Mobility work permit is a good option for certain individuals looking to gain employment in Canada as there is no age limit and the individual can be from any country in the world in order to qualify.
The Francophone Mobility work permit can be a steppingstone to obtaining Permanent Residence because it can be approved for more than 1 year in duration. This allows someone to accumulate sufficient in-Canada work experience to eventually apply for Permanent Residence.
While it is not necessary to retain a lawyer to assist with applying for a Francophone Mobility work permit, it can be helpful given the rules and regulations surrounding these applications change frequently.
For more information regarding the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, or any other Canadian or US immigration needs, reach out to Bryan Fitzpatrick at [email protected] or call him at 250.869.1127.
