Discover the Francophone Mobility Program: Your Gateway to Canada

Recent IRCC updates highlight a favorable trend for immigrants with French language skills. The Canadian government has launched several initiatives to attract Francophones and promote the development of Francophone communities outside Quebec. For instance, in June 2023, the Francophone Mobility Program was expanded, allowing employers in Canada to hire candidates with an intermediate level of French for various occupations, excluding primary agriculture.

Similarly, in February 2024, it was announced that Express Entry selection rounds would prioritize candidates with advanced French proficiency, inviting them to apply for permanent residency. These actions aim to strengthen national identity and address the labor shortage in Francophone communities outside Quebec. 

Requirements:

• Intend to live and work outside Quebec;

• Obtain a job offer in any sector, except agriculture;

• Have relevant education and experience in similar positions, whether inside or outside Canada.

• Demonstrate French language proficiency at CLB5 level (basic-intermediate).

Benefits for candidates:

• The job offer does not need to involve working in French;

• The program is open to candidates of any nationality and does not require a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to be valid;

• French proficiency can be validated through official exams such as the Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) or Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF), a written confirmation from studies completed in French, or certifications from recognized language institutions;

• If the acquired job offer is for six months or longer:

• The spouse may obtain an additional open work permit;

• Children may access study permits.

Benefits for employers:

• Companies are exempt from processing the LMIA* (A positive LMIA demonstrates the necessity of hiring a foreign worker for the position and confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job.), thus reducing processing time and costs;

• Hiring Francophone workers opens new opportunities to reach more clients;

• The work permit is valid for the duration of the contract, with renewal options available.

In 2025, the Express Entry draws focused on Francophones featured the lowest minimum scores, highlighting the advantage of mastering French compared to other draws within this system, significantly increasing the chances of being selected. In the most recent draw, held on March 21, 2025, the minimum score required for candidates with French language skills was just 379**. This shows that, currently, French proficiency is a determining factor for successful migration to Canada.

At WexCanada, we accompany you at every stage of your migration process. Schedule an appointment with us and discover how to make your future in Canada a reality. The path to new job opportunities is closer than you think!

*: LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment (https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=163&top=17)

Express Entry

**: Rounds of invitations

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html

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