Canada to Launch a New Permanent Immigration Pathway in 2025

Canada has announced plans to launch a new permanent immigration program in 2025, building on the success of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).

What is the EMPP?

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) helps skilled refugees and displaced people move to Canada and become permanent residents. It also gives Canadian employers access to a new pool of international talent to fill job vacancies.

Originally launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the EMPP was expanded in 2023 with the goal of making it a permanent program. Currently, the EMPP is extended until December 31, 2025.

New Permanent Pathway Coming Soon

According to IRCC’s Departmental Plan for 2025–2026, a new permanent program will be introduced before the current EMPP pilot ends. However, full details—including who can apply and how the program will work—have not yet been released by the federal government.

How the EMPP Works

The EMPP allows skilled refugees and displaced persons to apply for permanent residence through two main options:

1. Federal EMPP

This stream has two pathways:

• Job Offer Stream (950 applications per year): Applicants must have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer, at least one year of full-time work experience, and meet education and language requirements based on the job’s TEER level under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• No Job Offer Stream (150 applications per year): Applicants must have one year of full-time experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job (in the last three years), a high school diploma (Canadian or equivalent), and a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all areas.

Both streams require proof of funds for settlement. The no job offer stream is currently closed.

2. Regional EMPP

Applicants may also apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Requirements vary by province but usually include:

• A full-time job offer from a Canadian employer
• Enough English or French language skills
• Relevant education, training, and work experience

Unlike the federal stream, AIP applicants don’t need to submit an educational credential assessment or meet specific work-hour timelines. They may also apply for a loan to meet the settlement fund requirements.

Extra Support for EMPP Applicants

IRCC offers additional support to EMPP participants, such as:

• No application or biometric fees for applicants and their family members
• Paid medical examination costs
• Help with travel expenses and the permanent residence fee
• Settlement support tailored for EMPP applicants
  
  

Why Immigration Pilots Matter

Immigration pilot programs are temporary and usually run for five years. They test new ways to bring skilled immigrants to Canada. If a pilot is successful, it can become a permanent immigration program.

Since it started, the EMPP has brought 970 individuals to Canada (as of March 2025), and its success has paved the way for the upcoming permanent pathway.