Canada has extended its innovative Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) until December 31, 2025, aiming to connect more skilled refugees and displaced individuals with job opportunities across the country. The program helps employers meet labour shortages while offering newcomers a chance to rebuild their lives in Canada through permanent residence.
On This Page You Will Find:
- What the EMPP is and why it matters
- Key details about the 2025 EMPP extension
- The two ways to apply: federal and regional EMPP
- Program requirements for each EMPP stream
- Supports offered to employers and applicants
A Labour Mobility Solution for Displaced People
Launched in 2019, the EMPP is Canada’s first complementary refugee labour mobility pathway. It enables qualified refugees and displaced persons to immigrate through existing economic programs or directly through the EMPP’s dedicated federal stream. So far, 970 individuals have been admitted under the pilot, with over 30 percent working in the healthcare sector.
By recognising the talents and training of displaced individuals, the EMPP supports Canada’s dual goals of humanitarian resettlement and economic development. Candidates have found employment in health care, construction, and food services – fields facing persistent labour shortages.
EMPP Extension and 2025 Intake Targets
The federal stream of the EMPP will now accept up to 950 job offer-based applications in 2025. The extension ensures skilled workers in sectors like health care and construction continue to access permanent residence pathways.
Through the EMPP, Canada is reducing barriers by:
- Waiving application and biometric fees
- Processing most applications within six months
- Covering medical exams
- Providing access to loans for travel and some settlement costs
Two Main Pathways: Federal and Regional EMPP
There are two ways to apply:
- Federal EMPP
- Job Offer Stream: Requires a valid full-time job offer in a TEER 0–5 occupation, one year of related work experience, and appropriate education and language skills.
- No Job Offer Stream: For applicants with recent skilled work experience (TEER 0–3), higher language proficiency (CLB 7), and sufficient funds or support.
- Regional EMPP
- Includes the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the now-closed RNIP.
- Reduces some eligibility requirements, such as work hours and credential assessments.
- Offers loans for settlement funds through Windmill Microlending.
Supporting Employers and Newcomers
The EMPP allows Canadian employers to access a broader talent pool while giving refugees a safe, structured path to rebuild their careers. With added flexibility and financial supports, the program stands as a global example of how economic immigration and humanitarian goals can align.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)?
The EMPP is a Canadian immigration program that allows skilled refugees and displaced people to apply for permanent residence through economic immigration streams, helping address job shortages in Canada.
Who is eligible to apply for the EMPP?
Applicants must be refugees or displaced persons and meet work experience, education, and language requirements based on their chosen stream. They must also be admissible to Canada and apply from outside the country.
What support is available for EMPP applicants?
The Canadian government waives application fees, covers medical exam costs, provides pre-arrival orientation, and offers access to loans for travel and settlement needs through partner organisations.
What’s the difference between the federal and regional EMPP?
The federal EMPP allows applicants to apply directly through IRCC, with or without a job offer. The regional EMPP routes applications through programs like AIP and PNP and may offer different eligibility conditions.
How long does it take to process an EMPP application?
Most EMPP applications are processed in six months or less, depending on the completeness of the application and stream selected.
