In an exciting update for future newcomers, Canada will introduce a new permanent immigration program in 2025, building on the success of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This new pathway aims to provide skilled refugees and displaced individuals a more stable route to permanent residence (PR).
🔍 What Is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)?
The EMPP is an innovative immigration initiative launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018. It connects skilled refugees and displaced persons with Canadian employers through economic immigration programs, offering them a long-term opportunity to live and work in Canada.
In 2023, the federal government announced plans to transition the EMPP from a pilot to a permanent immigration stream—and now, it’s confirmed to launch before the pilot expires on December 31, 2025, as per the IRCC Departmental Plan 2025–2026.
📊 EMPP Program at a Glance
To date, nearly 970 people have been admitted to Canada through the EMPP (from 2019 to March 2025). This pilot gives Canadian employers access to a unique and skilled talent pool, helping to fill critical labour shortages in various industries.
✈️ Federal and Regional EMPP Streams
There are currently two pathways under the EMPP:
🏛️ Federal EMPP Streams:
The federal program includes two separate streams, each with a capped annual intake:
-
Job Offer Stream (950 applications/year)
-
No Job Offer Stream (150 applications/year) (currently closed)
Job Offer Stream Requirements:
-
Full-time job offer from a Canadian employer
-
At least 1 year of full-time work experience
-
Education and language proficiency that meets the TEER level of the job
-
Proof of settlement funds
No Job Offer Stream Requirements (closed):
-
1 year of full-time work experience (within past 3 years) in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
-
Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent
-
CLB 7 in all four language skills
-
Proof of settlement funds
📌 Note: TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) is part of Canada’s National Occupational Classification system.
🌍 Regional EMPP (AIP and PNP):
Applicants may also access the EMPP through participating provinces and territories via:
-
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Regional applicants must meet these core requirements:
-
A full-time job offer
-
Sufficient language proficiency (English or French)
-
Relevant education or work experience
Those applying through the AIP do not need to provide an education credential assessment or specific work hour documentation. Additionally, settlement funds may be supported through a loan.
💵 EMPP Benefits: Lower Barriers for Refugees
The EMPP includes several benefits that reduce costs and simplify the application process for eligible candidates:
✅ No application or biometric fees
✅ Medical exams covered by IRCC
✅ Help with settlement, travel, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee
✅ Dedicated support for EMPP newcomers
🛠️ What’s Next: From Pilot to Permanent
While the details of the new permanent EMPP program have not yet been released, IRCC has confirmed it will launch before December 31, 2025. It is expected to build on the strengths of the current pilot while improving long-term integration pathways for refugees and displaced individuals.
🧭 Understanding Immigration Pilots
Immigration pilots are temporary programs (usually five years long) that help test innovative immigration pathways. When successful, these pilots—like the EMPP—often evolve into permanent residency streams.
Eligible applicants can typically apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence, subject to annual intake limits.
📢 Final Thoughts
Canada’s move to make the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot permanent signals a strong commitment to inclusive economic immigration. If you’re a skilled refugee or displaced person—or an employer seeking diverse talent—this could be the right opportunity.
🟢 Interested in applying through the EMPP or future permanent program?
📩 Contact Green Light Immigration today for expert support in navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
