Yes. Francophone Mobility remains open, and unlike several other routes it has been expanded rather than restricted.
Where it stands
The exemption, code C16, allows Canadian employers to hire French-speaking workers for positions outside Quebec without an LMIA. It sits within the International Mobility Program.
In June 2023 it was broadened from higher-skilled occupations to all NOC TEER categories. Primary agriculture in TEER 4 and 5 is the only exclusion.
Why the question comes up
Because much else has closed. Since 2024 the low-wage LMIA stream has tightened considerably — applications refused outright in cities with unemployment at 6% or above, the workforce cap cut to 10%, permits shortened to one year.
Employers hearing about restrictions reasonably assume everything has tightened. It has not.
What it requires
The worker demonstrates French at NCLC 5 in speaking and listening. The job is located outside Quebec. The employer submits an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee.
The job itself does not have to be performed in French.
What has changed in practice
Refusals have risen on the French-language element. Officers are asking for stronger evidence that applicants genuinely use French, which follows naturally from opening the program to lower-skilled occupations.
That is worth knowing: the program is open, but the French requirement is being taken seriously.
What that means for employers
Candidate quality matters more than it used to. A candidate whose French does not hold up will be refused, and the employer absorbs the delay.
FrancoBridge publishes to French-speaking candidate markets — Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Mauritius and Canada.
Program rules change. Verify current requirements on canada.ca. This is not immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.