Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

The  Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a unique and compassionate  immigration initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada  (IRCC). Designed specifically to support refugees and other displaced  individuals, the EMPP allows eligible candidates to immigrate to Canada  through existing economic programs—but with greater flexibility and  fewer barriers.

Unlike  traditional refugee resettlement streams, EMPP enables refugees to  leverage their skills and experience to contribute to Canada’s economy  while rebuilding their lives in safety. It’s a game-changer for  qualified professionals who have been recognized as refugees by a UN  agency, government (e.g. UNRWA Cards held by displaced Palestinian  Refugees), or other designated organization, and are currently living  outside Canada.

•  Eligibility for recognized refugees and displaced persons:  Candidates must be outside Canada and meet the definition of a refugee  under Canadian guidelines or be referred by a designated partner  organization.
   
•  Lower barriers to entry:  EMPP applicants can benefit from relaxed documentation requirements,  including accommodations for missing travel documents and limited access  to financial resources.
   
•  Lower language proficiency requirements in certain cases and acceptance of IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for EMPP candidates .
   
•  Priority processing and support: IRCC provides dedicated case management, faster processing times, and financial support through partner organizations.
   

•  Less Competitive:  Traditional economic immigration programs are often extremely  competitive and points-based, with high cutoffs in Express Entry. EMPP  applicants are evaluated differently, making the process more  accessible.
   
•  No CRS Ranking: Unlike Express Entry, the EMPP doesn’t rely on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to determine eligibility.
   
•  More Flexibility:  Applicants who may not meet the high language or settlement fund  requirements of FSW or PNP may still qualify under the EMPP due to  tailored supports and relaxed criteria.
   
•  Pathway to Permanent Residency: EMPP ultimately leads to permanent residence, providing long-term stability and access to rights and services in Canada.
   

The EMPP offers two main application streams:

1. Regional EMPP: This stream allows candidates to apply through one of three selected economic programs:
    
   • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
      
   • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
      
   • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) (note: RNIP is no longer accepting new applications at this time)
      
   •  In this pathway, applicants must first be eligible for one of  the above programs and apply to the respective province, territory, or  community. The EMPP then provides additional support to address barriers  refugees might face, such as waiving certain documentation requirements  or offering financial assistance.
      

2.  Federal EMPP:  This stream allows candidates to apply directly to IRCC under the EMPP  without first applying through a provincial or regional program. It  includes:
 

•  Job Offer Stream
   
•  No Job Offer Stream
   

 Note: Applicants must meet specific work experience, education, and  language requirements. The federal EMPP provides accommodations such as  waiving application and biometric fees, covering medical exam costs, and  offering access to the Immigration Loans Program to assist with travel  and settlement expenses.

If you or someone you know is a refugee recognized by UNHCR, UNRWA, or another designated organization, and have skills and work experience that can contribute to the Canadian workforce, the EMPP could be your opportunity to build a new future in Canada.

📩 Book a consultation today to explore your eligibility, understand the steps, and get personalized  advice on how to apply through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

GrandWest Immigration Team.