What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit (LMIA Exemption Code C16)?

The Francophone Mobility stream (LMIA Exemption Code C16) allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign workers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

What French language score is required for Francophone Mobility?

Applicants must demonstrate moderate French language proficiency equivalent to NCLC Level 5 or higher in speaking and listening (via TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests).

Which job TEER categories qualify for Francophone Mobility in 2026?

Under expanded IRCC policy, all NOC TEER categories (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) qualify for Francophone Mobility, excluding primary agriculture jobs.

What is the Francophone Mobility Work Permit (LMIA Exemption Code C16)?

The Francophone Mobility stream (LMIA Exemption Code C16) allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign workers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

What French language score is required for Francophone Mobility?

Applicants must demonstrate moderate French language proficiency equivalent to NCLC Level 5 or higher in speaking and listening (via TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests).

Which job TEER categories qualify for Francophone Mobility in 2026?

Under expanded IRCC policy, all NOC TEER categories (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) qualify for Francophone Mobility, excluding primary agriculture jobs.

Home/Canada/Francophone Mobility Work Permit C16 Guide

IRPR § 205(a) / Code C16 Compliance

Francophone Mobility Work Permit (C16)

Hire or get hired in Canada outside Quebec without an LMIA using French language proficiency (NCLC 5+).

No LMIA Required! Employers save months of processing time and thousands in legal fees because Code C16 bypasses ESDC LMIA advertising and fee requirements.

Francophone Mobility Qualification Checker

Francophone Mobility Statutory Rules

IRCC Requirement	Threshold	Operational Details
Exemption Code	Code C16 (IRPR § 205(a))	Significant benefit stream under International Mobility Program (IMP).
French Benchmark	NCLC Level 5 Minimum	Must provide TEF Canada or TCF Canada results in speaking & listening.
Geographic Location	Outside Quebec Only	Valid in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Atlantic Canada, and Territories.

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