On March 27, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that Canada would launch a new economic pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to help employers hire skilled refugees and other displaced individuals. The Government of Canada is expanding the EMPP by creating a new federal pathway.
What to Expect
- With the new federal pathway, employers can hire refugees and other displaced people who qualify under any National Occupation Classification 2021 category (TEER 0–5).
- Through the EMPP, seven NGO partners help skilled refugees overseas connect with employers who need to overcome critical labor shortages. Once candidates receive a job offer, they can apply to immigrate to Canada through existing regional economic programs.
- After the relevant province, territory, or community approves the application, candidates can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence, using EMPP measures that remove barriers refugees may experience due to their displacement.
- The application process for the new federal pathway will use standardized eligibility criteria.
- In most cases, applications are expected to be processed within six months.
EMPP facilitation measures include waiving some fees, making it easier to validate work experience, and letting candidates use loans to fund travel costs, settlement needs, start-up costs, and fees that cannot be waived. An NGO partner provides low-interest microloans to eligible EMPP candidates who do not have the minimum funds to meet settlement requirements.
The new pathway, which will complement existing EMPP pathways, will open this summer.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney. For more information, please read the official press release.