Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

Program Overview

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement with economic immigration. It is designed for skilled refugees and other qualified displaced individuals who want to move to Canada permanently.

The pilot recognizes the skills and potential of refugees, helping them immigrate through existing economic programs or specifically designed federal streams, often with easier administrative requirements. This innovative approach allows Canada to benefit from refugees' skills while providing them with a dignified path to permanent residence.

A Unique Humanitarian-Economic Approach

Unlike traditional refugee resettlement, the EMPP recognizes refugees as skilled workers who can contribute to Canada's economy from day one. This approach combines compassion with practical economic benefits.

Who Can Apply?

1. Refugee / Displaced Person Status

You must be a refugee or displaced person currently living outside Canada and your country of persecution. You must have one of the following:

Positive Refugee Status Determination (RSD) from the UNHCR or a hosting state
Proof of registration as a person of concern with the UNHCR
Refugee certificate from UNRWA
Trusted Partner Referral Letter (if you don't have the above documents)

2. Admissibility

You must be admissible to Canada (medical, criminal, and security checks)
Must not pose a security risk

Federal EMPP Streams

Job Offer Stream

Full-time, non-seasonal job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 occupation
1 year of work experience (1,560 hours)
CLB 5 (for TEER 0-3) or CLB 4 (for TEER 4-5)
Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA)

No Job Offer Stream

1 year of work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
CLB 7 or higher in all 4 language skills
Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA)
Proof of settlement funds

Program Benefits

Faster Processing

Target of 6 months or less processing time

Waived Fees

No application or biometric fees required

Loan Eligibility

Access to Immigration Loans Program (ILP) for travel and settlement

Medical Coverage

Pre-departure medical services covered by IFHP

Trusted Partner Organizations

If you don't have official UNHCR documentation, you may be referred by a Trusted Partner organization. These include:

TalentLift Impact - Connects refugees with Canadian employers
Talent Beyond Boundaries - Global refugee employment platform
RefugePoint - Identifies skilled refugees for resettlement
HIAS - Jewish humanitarian organization supporting refugees
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) - Student refugee sponsorship

Alternative Pathways

While the EMPP is currently closed, refugees may also explore:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) - Some provinces have specific refugee streams
Express Entry - If you meet CRS requirements
Private Sponsorship - Through Groups of Five or SAH organizations
Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) - Traditional UNHCR referral process

Begin Your Global Journey Today

Ready to explore your immigration options? Our expert team in Vadodara is here to guide you every step of the way. Get a free eligibility assessment and take the first step towards your dream destination.

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Program Status: Closed for 2025