On June 15, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program for 2 years. 

This program allows Canadian employers to offer jobs to eligible candidates with a moderate level of French proficiency, excluding positions in primary agriculture. Originally designed for highly skilled temporary foreign workers who speak French, this expansion now provides more opportunities for French-speaking immigrants to gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residence. 

The criteria for French language proficiency have also been updated for all foreign nationals applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility Program. Temporary foreign workers must now demonstrate moderate proficiency in French for oral comprehension and expression, equivalent to a level 5 language requirement. These updated language standards align with the French language needs of various occupations and broaden the pool of eligible French-speaking foreign nationals.

Furthermore, applicants must provide evidence to support their language proficiency. Acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to, a French evaluation test or French competency test, a diploma or degree from a French college or university, or a document confirming studies at a French-language institution.