Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
EMPP is Canada’s model for refugee and displaced person labour mobility, and it aims to address Canadian labour shortages while providing durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons with the skills and qualifications that Canadian employers need.
EMPP applicants will arrive in Canada with permanent residence status as economic immigrants and will be eligible for the full suite of settlement and integration services that are offered to all economic immigrants, including pre-arrival orientation and referral to in-Canada settlement services and supports. They are not, however, entitled to refugee resettlement assistance, as they are economic immigrants. This means that it is very important for them to be able to demonstrate that they can establish themselves and provide for their own basic needs and those of their family during their first year in Canada.
Regional EMPP (formerly known simply as EMPP prior to the creation of Federal EMPP) allows applicants to apply through:
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Note: Regional EMPP applications do not count toward other program level allocations for AIP, PNP or RNIP.
Regional EMPP candidates differ from candidates applying directly to AIP, PNP or RNIP as they must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Public Policy to support the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) – Phase 2. Applicants also have access to EMPP-specific services.
Federal EMPP is a pathway that allows applicants to apply through a dedicated Federal EMPP stream:
- A. Job offer steam
- B. No job offer stream
Federal EMPP candidates have to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Public Policy Supporting the Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. Applicants also have access to EMPP-specific services.
Intake caps
There is no total intake cap for the EMPP program. However, there are specific intake caps for Regional EMPP and the No Job Offer stream of the Federal EMPP (see below). The number of applications received will be monitored through monthly OPPB reports.
| Regional EMPP | Federal EMPP – No Job Offer stream | Federal EMPP – Job Offer Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Intake cap: when 500 applications from principal applicants have been received. | Intake cap (annual): when 150 applications from principal applicants have been received. | No intake cap |
Program delivery instructions (PDIs)
Select the application process method:
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