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 the labour mobility of refugees and displaced persons, and it aims to address Canadian labour shortages while providing durable solutions for those with the skills and qualifications that Canadian employers need.
EMPP applicants 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. As well, EMPP applicants have the costs of medical exams covered through the Interim Federal Health Program, and have access to the Immigration Loans Program to help with travel costs and the right of permanent residence fee.
However, as they are economic immigrants, applicants are not entitled to refugee resettlement assistance. Therefore, an important component of the program is for applicants to be able to demonstrate that they can establish themselves, and provide for their own basic needs and their dependants during their first year in Canada.
Regional EMPP (formerly known simply as EMPP prior to the creation of the Federal EMPP) allows applicants to apply through:
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) No longer accepting new applications as of August 31, 2024
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 Stream
- 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 are specific intake caps for the Regional EMPP, as well as the Federal EMPP’s Job Offer and No Job Offer streams (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 have been received (principal applicants). | Intake cap (annual): when 150 applications have been received (principal applicants). | Intake cap (annual): when 950 applications have been received (principal applicants). |
Program delivery instructions (PDIs)
Select the application process method: