On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of the EMPP extension
- Intake caps for 2025 streams
- Key eligibility requirements
- Benefits and settlement supports
- Frequently asked questions
Federal EMPP Extended to December 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of the Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (Federal EMPP). Initially set to expire on June 12, 2025, the program will now remain open until December 31, 2025.
The EMPP enables skilled refugees and displaced individuals to immigrate to Canada as economic immigrants. By bridging humanitarian efforts with labour market needs, the pilot helps employers fill skill shortages while offering displaced people a permanent, stable future in Canada.
New Intake Caps Introduced
Under the updated program, IRCC has introduced intake caps for both streams of the Federal EMPP:
- Stream A (Job Offer Stream): Capped at 950 complete applications from principal applicants.
- Stream B (No Job Offer Stream): Capped at 150 complete applications from principal applicants.
Once these limits are reached, further applications will be returned.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must be refugees or displaced persons who:
- Can become economically established in Canada
- Intend to live in a province or territory outside Quebec
- Meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Guide 0196 – Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
Applications must be submitted online.
Settlement Funds and Financial Requirements
Federal EMPP applicants with a valid job offer do not need to show proof of settlement funds. However, applicants without a job offer must demonstrate funds equal to 50% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) to ensure they can successfully settle in Canada.
Benefits and Supports for EMPP Applicants
Federal EMPP applicants arrive in Canada as permanent residents, eligible for the same settlement and integration services offered to all economic immigrants. These include:
- Pre-arrival orientation and in-Canada settlement support
- Medical exam costs covered by the Interim Federal Health Program
- Access to the Immigration Loans Program for travel and right of permanent residence fees
Unlike resettled refugees, EMPP applicants are not entitled to government-funded resettlement assistance, as they immigrate under economic categories.
Why the EMPP Matters
The EMPP plays a vital role in combining Canada’s humanitarian commitments with its economic goals. It allows employers to tap into a new pool of skilled candidates while helping refugees rebuild their lives through employment-based immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (Federal EMPP)?
The Federal EMPP allows skilled refugees and displaced individuals to apply for permanent residence as economic immigrants. It helps connect global talent with Canadian employers facing skill shortages.
When does the Federal EMPP now end?
The program has been extended until December 31, 2025, giving applicants more time to apply under either the Job Offer or No Job Offer streams.
How many applications will be accepted under the new intake caps?
IRCC will process up to 950 applications for the Job Offer Stream and 150 applications for the No Job Offer Stream. Applications beyond these limits will be returned.
Do applicants need settlement funds?
Applicants with a valid job offer do not need settlement funds. Those without a job offer must show funds equal to 50% of Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
What benefits do EMPP applicants receive?
Applicants have their medical exam costs covered, can access immigration loans, and receive pre-arrival and post-arrival settlement supports to help integrate into Canadian communities.
