Back to Pilots
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
EMPP - Refugee Economic Immigration
Program Overview
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement with economic immigration. It was designed for skilled refugees and other qualified displaced individuals who wanted to move to Canada permanently. The pilot has ended, and the sections below are kept as a historical reference.
The pilot recognized the skills of refugees and helped them immigrate through existing economic programs or specifically designed federal streams, often with adapted administrative requirements.
A Humanitarian-Economic Approach
Unlike traditional refugee resettlement, the EMPP assessed refugees as skilled workers for economic immigration to Canada.
Who Could Apply? (historical)
1. Refugee / Displaced Person Status
Applicants had to be a refugee or displaced person living outside Canada and their country of persecution. They needed 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 Features (While Open)
Existing Applications
Complete applications accepted on or before December 31, 2025 continue to be processed
No New Applications
The pilot ended on December 31, 2025 and IRCC accepts no new EMPP applications
Loan Eligibility
Applicants could access the Immigration Loans Program (ILP)
Medical Coverage
Pre-departure medical services were covered by the IFHP
Trusted Partner Organizations
Applicants without official UNHCR documentation could be referred by a Trusted Partner organization. These included:
- 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
The EMPP has ended. Skilled 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 is here to guide you every step of the way.
Get Free Assessment
