Francophone stream to be reintroduced under International Mobility Program

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A work permit stream will be introduced for foreign nationals from French-speaking countries intending to work in Canada outside of Quebec. A similar program was discontinued in 2014.

What does the change mean? The Mobilité Francophone stream will not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment and will be suitable for individuals in managerial, professional and technical/skilled trade occupations, but other details have not been released.

• Implementation time frame: June 1.
• Visas/permits affected: LMIA-exempt work permits under the International Mobility Program.
• Who is affected: Nationals of French-speaking countries coming to Canada to work in French-speaking communities outside of Quebec.
• Business impact: The stream may provide a good option for companies hiring employees from French-speaking countries because it will not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment.   

Background: Canada is launching the Mobilité Francophone stream with the goal of expanding French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec to 4 percent of all economic immigrants in those areas by 2018.

BAL Analysis: Employers may benefit from the new program if they are hiring foreign employees from French-speaking countries to work in skilled jobs outside of Quebec. BAL will update clients when details about the eligibility criteria and other requirements become available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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