Francophone Mobility (C16) is an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit for eligible French-speaking workers who will live and work outside Quebec. For applications made on or after June 15, 2023, IRCC requires French speaking and listening at NCLC 5 or higher, a qualifying job offer and the general work permit requirements. Jobs in primary agriculture under TEER 4 and 5 are excluded. See IRCC’s Francophone Mobility eligibility rules.

This guide is for workers assessing a C16 work permit and employers preparing an offer in the Employer Portal. The LMIA exemption does not remove the worker’s eligibility requirements or the employer’s submission and compliance obligations. IRCC explains both sets of requirements.

Editorial update: October 2, 2026. French-language evidence, job eligibility and processing-time wording were checked against the linked IRCC pages. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB (R708308) · CICC public register.

Francophone Mobility eligibility and French requirements

For applications on or after June 15, 2023, check each requirement separately against IRCC’s current eligibility page:

• French speaking and listening: Demonstrate NCLC 5 or higher in both abilities. Reading and writing proof is not required for this LMIA exemption. Evidence can include TEF or TCF speaking/listening results, written confirmation from a college or university for a program in French, or other documents showing education in French. See IRCC’s evidence instructions.
• Outside Quebec: The worker must live and work in a Canadian province or territory outside Quebec. This is an express condition of the C16 pathway.
• Eligible job offer: Jobs in any TEER category may qualify, except primary agriculture occupations in TEER 4 or 5. The worker must also meet the general work permit eligibility requirements.
• Employer steps: Before the worker applies, the employer submits the offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal under exemption code C16, pays the $230 employer compliance fee and provides the offer of employment number. See IRCC’s employer instructions.

Who this pathway is designed for

IRCC describes Francophone Mobility as a way for employers outside Quebec to hire eligible French-speaking workers without an LMIA. It is not a guarantee of a work permit, and language ability alone does not establish eligibility. Review the complete criteria before an employer or worker starts the application.

Application Process

The Mobilité Francophone work permit follows the standard IMP process:

1. Employer identifies the candidate and confirms the position is located outside Quebec.
2. Employer submits an Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal, selecting exemption code C16, and pays the $230 compliance fee.
3. Employer provides the job offer number to the worker.
4. Prepare the personalized work permit checklist and evidence of NCLC 5 or higher in French speaking and listening. Upload the French evidence in the Client information field as directed in IRCC’s application instructions.
5. Worker submits the work permit application to IRCC and pays $155 work permit fee plus $85 biometrics if applicable.
6. Check IRCC’s current processing-time estimates. The time depends on the application and may be longer than the estimate.
7. The application is for an employer-specific LMIA-exempt work permit. Follow IRCC’s C16 application instructions and, if approved, the validity dates and conditions printed on the permit.

Mobilité Francophone and PR Pathways

A C16 work permit is a temporary work pathway, not a permanent-residence approval. For Express Entry’s French-language category, IRCC separately requires NCLC 7 or higher in all four language abilities, eligibility for an Express Entry program, and the requirements of the invitation round. NCLC 5 for C16 does not by itself meet that category’s language threshold. See IRCC’s category-based selection requirements.

If you are planning beyond the work permit, review your actual work experience, language results and intended destination before choosing a permanent-residence route. Explore our Express Entry service guide or Book a Consultation for an individual assessment.

How VGIS Can Help

French-speaking workers and their employers are sometimes unaware that the C16 exemption eliminates the LMIA requirement entirely. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, helps francophone employers and workers identify whether C16 applies, prepare the French-language documentation, and build an integrated PR strategy leveraging the French-language advantage in Express Entry. Book a paid consultation to explore this pathway.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	Work permit: $155. Employer compliance fee: $230 (employer submits Offer of Employment through IRCC portal).
Biometrics	$85 individual

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• Proof of French-language ability (language test or other documentation)
• Employer offer of employment (via IRCC Employer Portal, code C16)
• Work permit application
• Passport
• Biometrics
• Educational credentials and work experience proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the C16 exemption apply to jobs in Montreal or Quebec City?

No. Francophone Mobility requires the worker to live and work outside Quebec. A job in Montreal or Quebec City does not meet that location condition. See IRCC’s eligibility requirements.

What level of French is required for the C16 work permit?

For applications made on or after June 15, 2023, IRCC expressly requires French speaking and listening at NCLC 5 or higher. This is a published benchmark, not an informal recommendation. Proof of reading or writing is not required for this exemption. See the eligibility rules and accepted evidence instructions.

Can an employer hire multiple C16 workers for the same position?

Each proposed worker must meet the applicable requirements and have the employer submission needed for their application. Before each worker applies, the employer must complete the Employer Portal steps under C16 and provide the offer of employment number. See IRCC’s employer requirements.

My worker is from West Africa and speaks French as a first language. Does that count?

Assess the worker against the same published French-language, job-offer, location and general eligibility requirements. Being a native French speaker does not remove the need to submit evidence: IRCC requires documents demonstrating NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. See IRCC’s French evidence instructions.

Is the C16 work permit a pathway to permanent residence in Quebec?

C16 requires the worker to live and work outside Quebec and does not itself grant permanent residence. A later permanent-residence application must meet its own program and intended-destination requirements. Start with C16 eligibility and obtain advice if your intended destination changes.

Official IRCC sources: Francophone Mobility eligibility and employer steps; application and French-language evidence; current processing times.

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.