Six misconceptions that come up repeatedly.
That you always need an LMIA
You often do not. Dozens of exemptions exist under the International Mobility Program. Francophone Mobility is one: French-speaking worker, position outside Quebec, no labour market test.
That only skilled roles qualify
Under Francophone Mobility all NOC TEER levels qualify, 0 through 5. Primary agriculture in TEER 4 and 5 is the only exclusion. Kitchen staff, drivers and warehouse workers are eligible.
That the job must be in French
It need not. IRCC's instructions state the language of work does not have to be French. The worker meets the requirement; the role can be entirely in English.
That it takes years
The employer's part under an exemption is usually days — an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and a $230 fee. The permit application has its own timeline, published by IRCC.
The longest stage is usually finding the candidate, which is the part employers control.
That consultants find candidates
Most do not. Immigration consultants file applications. Sourcing is typically the employer's problem, and many employers discover this only after paying for advice.
That any French speaker will do
Refusals under C16 have risen on the language element. Officers ask for stronger evidence of genuine French use. A candidate whose French does not hold up will be refused, and the employer absorbs the delay.
What follows from all six
Eligibility is usually wider than employers assume, and sourcing is usually harder. Most effort goes into the first problem and should go into the second.
FrancoBridge publishes to French-speaking candidates in Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Mauritius and Canada.
This is not immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.