🌍 Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP): Permanent Residence for Refugees with Skills
At Jad Immigration Services, we are proud to support skilled refugees who want to rebuild their lives in Canada through meaningful work. One of the most transformative pathways available today is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) — a unique immigration program that blends humanitarian support with economic immigration.
In this blog, we break down what the EMPP is, who is eligible, and how you can apply for permanent residence in Canada through this program.
✅ What is the EMPP?https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/economic-mobility-pathways-pilot.html
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a federal initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows skilled refugees and displaced persons to immigrate to Canada through economic immigration streams, with additional support to overcome common barriers such as a lack of documentation or limited access to financial resources.
There are two main federal pathways under the EMPP:
- EMPP Federal Pathway with a Job Offer
- EMPP Federal Pathway without a Job Offer (currently closed for 2025)
🧾 1. EMPP with a Job Offer (Now Open)
This stream allows qualified candidates with a valid job offer in Canada to apply for permanent residence. It’s ideal for employers seeking to fill labour shortages and for refugees with in-demand skills.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Must be a recognized refugee or displaced person
- Must have a valid job offer in any TEER 0–5 occupation
- Language proficiency: CLB 4 minimum
- No educational credential assessment (ECA) required
- Access to fee waivers, loans, and case management support
🧩 IRCC allows flexible documentation (e.g., expired passports) for EMPP applicants.
🚫 2. EMPP without a Job Offer (Closed for 2025)
This innovative stream allowed highly skilled refugees to apply without a job offer, using their work experience and language skills. It was capped at 150 applications for 2025, and IRCC has closed intake after reaching the limit.
Expected reopening: Early 2026 (subject to policy updates).
🏢 Provincial EMPP Streams
Refugees may also apply through participating provincial programs, such as:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
These programs require a job offer, but allow access to the same refugee-specific supports.
📦 What Supports are Available?
Through the EMPP, applicants may access:
- Free application processing
- Waived biometrics or medical fees
- Financial loans for travel, settlement, or language tests
- Help gathering documents that may be hard to obtain
- Case support from IRCC or partners (e.g., TalentLift, Jumpstart)
✋ Who Can Help?
Jad Immigration Services is here to:https://jadimmigration.com/booking-online/
- Assess your eligibility as a refugee
- Help you secure a qualifying job offer
- Prepare your EMPP permanent residence application
- Work with designated partner organizations to support your journey
If you are a skilled refugee or a displaced person with work experience and a dream of a safer, stable life in Canada — the EMPP may be your path to permanent residence.
