Is TCF Canada mandatory for Francophone Mobility?

No. IRCC also lists TEF oral results and French-education documents. TCF Canada is one clear way to show an NCLC level.

What TCF Canada scores do I need for Francophone Mobility?

You need NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. The TCF Canada reference minimums are speaking 6 and listening 369; reading and writing are not required.

Can I work in Quebec under Francophone Mobility?

Not under this measure. Your intended work and residence must be outside Quebec.

Does C16 give me an open work permit?

No. It normally supports an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit. The employer submits the offer first, and you still apply for the permit.

Using TCF Canada for the Francophone Mobility work permit

For applications submitted on or after June 15, 2023, Francophone Mobility requires speaking and listening in French at NCLC 5 or higher. If you use TCF Canada results as proof, the NCLC 5 reference minimums are speaking 6 and listening 369. Reading and writing proof is not required for this LMIA exemption.

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French proof is not limited to TCF

IRCC lists TCF or TEF speaking and listening results, written confirmation for a French-language education program, and other documents showing education in French as examples. TCF Canada provides a clear NCLC reference, but it is not the only proof route. Reading and writing are not required for language eligibility under this exemption.

Where the job can be and which TEER levels qualify

You must meet general work-permit eligibility and live and work in one of the nine provinces or three territories outside Quebec. The job offer may be in any TEER category except a primary agriculture occupation in TEER 4 and 5. The specific NOC, offer, and other permit conditions still need to qualify.

The employer completes the C16 steps first

Before you apply, the employer submits the offer through the Employer Portal under Francophone Mobility LMIA-exemption code C16, generally pays the $230 employer compliance fee, and gives you the 7-digit offer of employment number. You then use that number in the work-permit application.

LMIA-exempt does not mean work-permit-exempt

Francophone Mobility normally provides an employer-specific work permit that is LMIA-exempt. It is not an open work permit and it is not a permanent-residence program. A work permit is still required, and approval depends on general eligibility, admissibility, supporting documents, and the individual assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is TCF Canada mandatory for Francophone Mobility?: No. IRCC also lists TEF oral results and French-education documents. TCF Canada is one clear way to show an NCLC level.
What TCF Canada scores do I need for Francophone Mobility?: You need NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. The TCF Canada reference minimums are speaking 6 and listening 369; reading and writing are not required.
Can I work in Quebec under Francophone Mobility?: Not under this measure. Your intended work and residence must be outside Quebec.
Does C16 give me an open work permit?: No. It normally supports an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit. The employer submits the offer first, and you still apply for the permit.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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