Maple News reports that Canada has extended its Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) until December 31, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative enables skilled refugees and displaced individuals to immigrate to Canada through economic immigration pathways, helping to alleviate labour shortages across various industries while giving newcomers a fresh start through permanent residence.
Launched in 2019, the EMPP is Canada’s first-ever programme to connect refugee talent with job opportunities traditionally available to economic immigrants. More than 970 individuals have already arrived in Canada under this pilot, with healthcare, construction, and food services sectors benefiting the most—over 30% of recipients are now part of Canada’s healthcare workforce.
The extension of the EMPP comes with a federal intake cap of 950 job offer-based applications for 2025. The program is designed to lower barriers for qualified refugees, including waiving application and biometric fees, covering medical exams, offering loans for travel and settlement, and streamlining application processing to around six months.
Refugees can apply through two streams:
1. Federal EMPP:
– Job Offer Stream: Requires a full-time offer in a TEER 0–5 occupation, at least one year of relevant experience, and sufficient education and language skills.
– No Job Offer Stream: Aimed at those with recent TEER 0–3 work experience, higher language proficiency (CLB 7), and the financial means to settle.
2. Regional EMPP: Applicants may use regional immigration streams such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These often have more flexible criteria, with relaxed requirements for work hours and credential recognition. Loans for settlement funds are also offered through partnerships, such as with Windmill Microlending.
This dual humanitarian and economic approach allows employers across Canada to access a wider talent pool while supporting global resettlement efforts. In turn, displaced individuals can rebuild their lives and professional careers in a stable, inclusive environment.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), all EMPP applicants must be outside Canada, meet refugee or displaced status criteria, and satisfy the respective program’s work experience, language, and education benchmarks. Pre-arrival orientation, application support, and financing solutions further enhance the onboarding process for participants.
With its blend of compassion and economic pragmatism, the extended EMPP continues to position Canada as a global leader in refugee mobility and skilled immigration innovation.