Stepwest is a Recognized Organization (RO) under International Experience Canada by the Government of Canada. We’ve successfully placed thousands of participants since 2010.
Canada’s Francophone Mobility (Mobilité Francophone) visa allows bilingual culinary professionals to work legally in Canada outside Quebec, in a role matched to their experience. There is no age restriction, and the program is open to qualified chefs of any nationality, and if they meet the French language requirement.
Our Francophone Culinary Talent Program handles everything from job placement and interview preparation to visa submission and arrival support.
Year Round
12 Months +
$1,000 (Reimbursed)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start dates | Year-round |
| Work permit duration | Typically, 2–3 years (employer-dependent) |
| Age restriction | None |
| Nationalities eligible | Open to all — French language proficiency required |
| Locations | Whistler BC, Vancouver BC, Banff AB |
| Salary | CAD $50,000+ per year, plus benefits |
| Program fee | From CAD $1,000 (reimbursed — see Fees section) |
| Visa type | Francophone Mobility work permit (employer-specific) |
To be considered for the program, you must meet all the following requirements at the time of application:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| French language | High-intermediate proficiency in spoken and written French and English. Minimum NCLC Level 5, demonstrable via TEF, TCF, or official educational documentation in French. |
| Culinary experience | At least one year of professional kitchen experience at Commis Chef level or above. |
| Education | A diploma or degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality from a recognized institution. |
| References | Three reference letters from previous employers confirming your work experience. |
| Job offer | A confirmed offer of employment from a vetted Canadian employer in an eligible province (outside Quebec). Remember that Stepwest can assist with job placement before you apply. |
| Passport | A valid passport covering the full intended stay in Canada. |
| Police clearance | Police certificates from any country where you have lived for 6 months or more since your 18th birthday. |
| Province of work | Employment must be outside of Quebec. The work permit is employer-specific and names a single employer and location. |
*The Francophone Mobility visa is employer specific. If your placement changes, you may need to apply for a new permit.
Our Francophone Culinary Talent Program offers more than just a job placement—it is a fully supported journey to enhance your career in Canada. Here are some of the positions available:
Sous Chef: Work alongside top chefs, create innovative dishes, and showcase your skills in a high-paced, dynamic environment. Perfect for chefs seeking to expand their leadership experience.
Chef De Partie: CDP positions offer the chance to work with exceptional ingredients, execute high-level techniques, and contribute to exquisite, meticulously crafted dishes. Ideal for chefs looking to perfect their craft in a sophisticated and fast-paced environment.
Commis Chef: Perfect for aspiring chefs eager to gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment; Commis Chef roles provide an excellent opportunity to build your culinary skills and learn from senior chefs.
Whats Not Included:
Flights, medical insurance, visa and/or work permit application fees, local transportation, accommodation rent.
Connect with us today to learn how our Francophone Talent Program can connect you with skilled international culinary professionals, ready to bring fresh expertise to your business. Get in touch now to start the hiring process and discover the benefits of partnering with us!
We will guide you every step of the way to ensure you submit your application properly. Even when the visa processing times depend on your individual case, as an average timeframe you could move to Canada within 3 months!
Great news, there is no age restriction. So as long as you match the rest of the requirements to be selected for the program, you will be able to participate!
It will depend on the duration of your offer of employment but the average Francophone Mobility work permit duration will be from 2-3 years!
Endless! You will work for top employers and Hospitality groups in Canada owing different Hospitality business: hotels, spas, restaurants, … , it offers valuable international experience, and helps you build a strong professional network and get Canadian references, —many participants advance to leadership roles globally!
To be eligible you present an offer of employment in a province outside of Quebec. The Francophone Mobility or Mobilité Francophone program is an employer-specific work permit, which means that will be allowed to work only employer who hires you.
Yes, you will apply for a visa that Canada will require you to have a high-intermediate level of French (level 5 or higher in the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale). But please note that you do not have to be a citizen of a country where French is the first language. It is open to all nationalities, you just need to be fluent in French!
You must be able to prove that your speaking and listening skills in French are at an intermediate level (NCLC level 5 or higher). This can be shown through:
Yes! If you have never completed Biometrics for Canada in the last 10 years, during your work permit application process you will be requested to complete Biometrics. This is a process to be done at any of the VAC Centers all over the world. No worries, our team will guide you to find the closest to you and Canada will give you 30 days to get this step done!
Stepwest provides ongoing support for chefs after their arrival in Canada, ensuring they feel welcome and settled. Our team assists with accommodation, navigating local systems, and adjusting to Canadian culture. We also offer regular check-ins to ensure chefs are adapting well to their new environment and job, providing a strong foundation for long-term success in your business.