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Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
EMPP - Refugee Economic Immigration
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)
Medical Coverage
Pre-departure medical services 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
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