Navigating the complexities of hiring foreign workers can be challenging for Canadian employers. However, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s Mobilité Francophone stream offers a streamlined process, making it easier for employers to hire qualified French-speaking workers for managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trades positions outside Quebec. One significant advantage of this program is that employers typically do not need to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
Benefits for Employers
The Mobilité Francophone (Francophone Mobility) stream simplifies the hiring process, providing several key benefits:
- Time and Cost Savings: Avoiding the LMIA process saves both time and fees, making it a more efficient option for employers.
- Bilingual Service Capability: Hiring French-speaking employees enables you to serve clients in both French and English, enhancing your service offerings.
- Access to New Markets: The program opens doors to new markets and international networks, expanding your business potential.
Mobilité Francophone work permits are generally issued for the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed. While French proficiency may be tested during the work permit application process, it does not mandate that French be spoken at work once the employee is in Canada. Employers are not required to provide a French-speaking or bilingual work environment.
Recruiting from Abroad
Employers looking to recruit skilled French-speaking candidates can take advantage of several opportunities:
- Destination Canada Mobility Forum: This annual event connects you with skilled candidates in various fields. You can also post job positions and participate in virtual job fairs throughout the year.
- Recruitment Services: Connect with public employment services in several countries that offer free recruitment services.
Obtaining a Work Permit
If you find a candidate who meets the language proficiency and other program eligibility requirements, follow these steps to secure a work permit:
- Submit an offer of employment in the IRCC Employer Portal using LMIA Exemption Code C16.
- Pay the Employer Compliance Fee of CDN $230.
- Provide the offer of employment number and a signed contract to your candidate, and ask them to apply for their work permit. If a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required, it will be issued automatically upon work permit approval.
Employers can also request an opinion from IRCC’s International Mobility Workers Unit to determine if an LMIA or work permit exemption applies to their situation. This is applicable if the temporary foreign worker is located outside Canada and from a visa-exempt country.
If your employment contract is for six months or more, the worker’s spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit, and their dependent children can apply for study permits.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The IRCC’s Express Entry system offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers both in Canada and overseas. Eligible candidates are placed in the Express Entry pool and ranked based on their skills and experience. French-speaking and bilingual candidates receive bonus points for language proficiency, increasing their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
As an employer, you can further support your employees' permanent residence applications through the Mobilité Francophone stream. By offering a job exempt from the LMIA requirement, you provide a valid job offer that grants additional points in the Express Entry system, enhancing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The Mobilité Francophone stream is a valuable tool for Canadian employers, making it easier to hire skilled French-speaking workers and offering numerous benefits, from cost savings to access to new markets. By leveraging this program, employers can efficiently meet their staffing needs while supporting their employees' pathways to permanent residence in Canada.
If you have further questions, please contact our team and schedule a consultation with our specialists! e-Visa Immigration is ready to assist you at any stage of your process.
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