The pilot project “Paths of economic mobility” or Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement and economic immigration. This project helps skilled refugees and other displaced people immigrate to Canada through economic programs, giving employers access to a new pool of skilled candidates.

There are two main ways to apply:

  1. Through the regional EMPP programs (Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP). You must meet the requirements of one of the programs listed and first apply to your province, territory, or RNIP community, depending on the program you choose.
  2. Directly through EMPP. This is a federal EMPP that may or may not require a job offer from a Canadian employer. Applicants must meet language, education, and work experience requirements.

When applying through the federal EMPP:

  • Submitting your application and biometrics is free for the applicant and your dependents.
  • The application will be reviewed within 6 months or sooner.
  • The Canadian government will cover the cost of medical examinations under the Interim Federal Health Insurance Program.
  • The applicant may be able to access the Immigrant Loan Program (ILP) to cover relocation costs and some services provided by the International Organization for Migration, as well as the cost of obtaining permanent residence.
  • Access to the program for adaptation abroad.

Conditions of participation in the EMPP program:

  • Refugee or displaced person status. To participate in EMPP, the applicant must be a recognised refugee or displaced person. This can be proven by the following documents:
    • A positive decision on refugee status (Refugee Status Determination, RSD) from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or a refugee-hosting state.
    • Evidence of registration as a protected person, if there is no positive RSD decision.
    • Refugee certificate from UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees).
  • Experience. The applicant must have qualified work experience that meets the program requirements: minimum one year of paid work experience (1560 hours) within the last three years; work experience must be in one of the TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC).
  • Education. A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign diploma as assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Language skills. The applicant must demonstrate their language skills in English or French using one of the approved language tests: a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 is required to work in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3: a minimum CLB of 4 is required to work in TEER 4 or 5 categories; test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application.
  • Financial security. The applicant must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient funds to support himself or herself and his or her family in Canada. It is important to demonstrate the ability to support himself or herself and his or her family during the first year of residence in the country.

To summarize: the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Project (EMPP) creates an opportunity for qualified refugees and displaced persons to immigrate to Canada if they meet clear requirements: officially recognized refugee status, a minimum of one year of skilled work experience, secondary education, English or French language skills (minimum CLB 5 or 4, depending on the job category), and proof of financial solvency. 

Important benefits of the program include free application, expedited processing within 6 months, coverage of medical examination costs, and access to immigration loans to finance relocation.