June 15, 2023, Ottawa - Francophone immigration is at the heart of the Government of Canada's priorities. The country has always been a forerunner in its initiatives to welcome as many French-speaking nationals as possible, by implementing innovative initiatives to foster the contribution of newcomers to minority communities and thus maintain the social fabric of our country.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program, for a period of two years, which allows a Canadian employer to make a job offer to an eligible candidate with a moderate command of French for all National Occupation Classification with the exception of jobs in primary agriculture. This measure, initially reserved for highly skilled French-speaking temporary foreign workers, now opens doors to more French-speaking immigrants by offering them the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residence.
The French language proficiency criteria are also updated for all foreign nationals applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility Program. The temporary foreign national must have a moderate language proficiency of French for oral comprehension and oral expression. This is equivalent to a level 5 of the language requirements. These new language requirements meet the French language needs for all of these occupations and will expand the pool of eligible French-speaking foreign nationals.
In addition, applicants must now provide proof that they meet these language requirements. This documentary evidence may be, but is not limited to: a French evaluation test or the French competencies test, a diploma or degree from a French college or university, or a document confirming studies at a French-language institution.
These changes, as part of the Francophone Mobility Program, allow the Government of Canada to solidify its commitment to fostering population growth and economic prosperity in the country. They also make it possible to pursue its quest to contribute to the vitality of Francophone minority communities and address the labour shortage.
