Date: June 12, 2025
Category: Immigration News | Economic Immigration | Refugee Pathways

Canada has extended its commitment to welcoming skilled refugees and displaced individuals through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This groundbreaking immigration initiative helps employers fill labour shortages while offering a permanent future to qualified refugees.

This extension reinforces Canada’s global leadership in refugee resettlement and its focus on building a strong, inclusive economy.

What Is the EMPP?

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is Canada’s first complementary pathway for refugee labour mobility. It offers safe and legal immigration options for refugees and displaced individuals whose skills align with Canadian labour market needs — outside of the traditional refugee resettlement system.

Unlike conventional programs, the EMPP allows refugees to immigrate under existing economic immigration pathways, recognizing their human and social capital as skilled professionals.

Key Highlights of the June 2025 Update

• The federal EMPP stream is extended until December 31, 2025.
• The 2025 intake cap for the job offer stream is set at 950 applications.
• The program enables skilled refugees and vulnerable persons to apply for permanent residence while contributing to key economic sectors.
• Priority sectors include:
  • Health care (over 30% of total EMPP admissions to date)
  • Construction
  • Food services

From the program’s inception in 2019 until March 2025, 970 individuals have been admitted to Canada through the EMPP.

A Dual Benefit for Refugees and Employers

The EMPP supports Canadian employers facing labour shortages by expanding access to a global talent pool of job-ready candidates — many of whom are already trained in essential services.

For employers, this means:

• Access to skilled and motivated talent
• Support with recruitment and application processes
• A streamlined pathway to fill high-demand positions with long-term workers

Supporting Canada’s Broader Immigration Strategy

The EMPP is a cornerstone of Canada’s broader immigration strategy focused on:

• Driving economic growth
• Filling critical labour market gaps
• Helping newcomers settle and thrive in communities nationwide

📞 Interested in hiring through the EMPP or applying as a skilled refugee?
We can assist eligible candidates in navigating the EMPP process efficiently and successfully.

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Disclaimer: This article summarizes the official notice published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For the full announcement, visit:
Canada Extends Pilot to Support Skilled Refugees and Employers