The employer's part finishes early. Most of what follows is out of your hands, which is worth knowing in advance.
Immediately after submission
You submit the offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 compliance fee. The portal issues an offer of employment number.
That number goes to your candidate. Your administrative role is essentially complete.
The candidate applies
They submit a work permit application referencing your offer number, along with their own supporting documents — for Francophone Mobility, evidence of French ability at NCLC 5 in speaking and listening.
They pay their own application fees.
Processing
IRCC assesses the application. Times vary considerably by country of application and current volumes, and IRCC publishes current estimates.
This is the longest stage and neither you nor the candidate can accelerate it.
Biometrics and medicals
Depending on the candidate's situation, biometrics and a medical examination may be required. Both add time and depend on local appointment availability.
If approved
A candidate applying from outside Canada usually receives a port of entry letter of introduction, and the permit is issued on arrival. Border officers make the final determination.
If refused
The most common ground under C16 is the French language evidence. The employer has lost time, and the compliance fee is not refunded.
What employers should plan for
Do not schedule a start date until the permit is issued. And keep the position genuinely available — a role that disappears while the candidate waits creates a compliance problem.
Processing times change constantly. Verify on canada.ca. This is not immigration advice.