Canada Set to Launch New Permanent Residency Pathway for Refugees and Displaced People in 2025

Canada Expands Its Doors with New PR Pathway for Skilled Refugees

In a groundbreaking move, the Government of Canada has announced plans to officially transition the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) into a permanent immigration program by the end of 2025. This new pathway will offer a direct route to permanent residence for skilled refugees and other displaced individuals, reinforcing Canada’s ongoing commitment to both economic growth and humanitarian leadership.

What Is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)?

Launched in 2018, the EMPP was designed to connect skilled refugees with Canadian employers in need of talent, offering them a pathway to rebuild their lives in a stable, supportive environment while filling crucial labor market gaps.

Over the years, the pilot program has proven highly successful. As of March 2025, over 970 skilled individuals and their families have already arrived in Canada through EMPP streams.

The New Permanent Pathway: What We Know So Far

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the EMPP will officially become a permanent economic immigration stream before December 31, 2025. While the detailed program framework is still under development, here are the current highlights based on the existing EMPP structure:

1. Federal EMPP Streams

Job Offer Stream: For refugees with a valid Canadian job offer in a skilled occupation.

Requirements include at least one year of full-time work experience, minimum education credentials, and proof of English or French language proficiency.

Annual intake: 950 principal applicants.

No Job Offer Stream: For highly skilled refugees without a job offer.

Applicants must have high-skilled experience (TEER 0–3), at least a high school diploma, and CLB 7 language scores.

Intake is limited to 150 applicants per year.

Note: This stream is currently paused.

2. Regional EMPP Streams

Applicants can also apply through regional pathways such as:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

These programs may offer added flexibility by waiving credential assessments or providing loans for settlement expenses.

3. Cost-Effective Support

To reduce barriers, Canada waives many standard immigration costs for EMPP participants, including:

Application and biometric fees

Medical examination costs

Right of permanent residence fee

Travel and settlement support

Why This Is a Big Deal?

Canada's decision to permanently embed EMPP into its immigration system reflects a broader shift in immigration priorities:

Humanitarian impact: Provides displaced people with a secure future while addressing root causes of global migration.

Labor market support: Addresses shortages in critical fields like health care, trades, and technology.

Inclusive economic growth: Combines Canada’s humanitarian goals with its need for skilled workers to fuel growth in smaller and larger communities alike.

What’s Next?

While the exact launch date and application process for the new permanent EMPP pathway haven’t been announced yet, IRCC has confirmed that it will open before the current pilot ends on December 31, 2025.

Prospective applicants—especially skilled refugees or those working with partner organizations—are encouraged to:

Gather essential documents (refugee status, education records, language test scores)

Look for job opportunities through EMPP-affiliated job banks

Stay informed via IRCC and official Canadian immigration channels

This new pathway is not just a policy update—it’s a powerful message. Canada is showing that refugees and displaced people aren’t just in need of help—they are also valuable contributors to society. The permanent EMPP stream will open new doors for thousands, offering a second chance for skilled individuals who have lost so much, while helping Canada continue to grow stronger through diversity.

Stay tuned for updates on the application process as 2025 progresses.