Canada continues to lead globally in refugee resettlement—and in building innovative immigration pathways that benefit both newcomers and the economy. On June 12, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the extension of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to December 31, 2025, helping skilled refugees and displaced individuals gain permanent residence while filling urgent labour market gaps across the country.
What Is the EMPP?
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot is Canada’s first complementary pathway for refugee labour mobility, allowing skilled refugees and other displaced individuals to immigrate to Canada through existing economic immigration streams.
Unlike traditional resettlement programs, EMPP connects refugees with Canadian employers who are facing labour shortages—especially in essential sectors such as health care, construction, and food services.
Since the EMPP began in 2019, nearly 1,000 people have been admitted to Canada under the program, with more than 30% working in health care roles.
2025 EMPP Extension Details
To further support economic growth and humanitarian goals, IRCC has:
- Extended the EMPP federal stream to December 31, 2025
- Set the 2025 intake cap for the job offer streamat 950 applications
This ensures more refugees with in-demand skills can apply for permanent residence, while Canadian employers continue to access a growing pool of talented and experienced workers.
Why It Matters
The EMPP not only supports the integration of vulnerable populations through legal, safe immigration pathways—it also provides Canadian businesses with a solution to ongoing labour shortages in key sectors.
By enabling skilled refugees to transition to permanent residence through employer sponsorship, Canada reinforces its commitment to humanitarian values, while also investing in long-term economic success.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please refer to the IRCC official website for full details.