Canada’s New Pathway To Permanent Residency Starts In 2025

Canada is getting ready to launch a new permanent immigration program in 2025. This upcoming pathway builds on the success of the current Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), which connects skilled refugees and displaced people with Canadian employers.

What Is the EMPP?
The EMPP helps skilled refugees settle in Canada by matching them with job offers. The program started in 2018 and has helped nearly 970 newcomers settle in Canada so far. In 2023, the government decided to turn this pilot into a permanent program.

Why Is It Becoming Permanent?
The EMPP has been extended until December 31, 2025. The new permanent version will launch before that date. While full details aren’t out yet, the new program aims to continue supporting refugees with work skills who want to settle in Canada long term.

Who Can Apply?
Right now, applicants must prove they are refugees or displaced people. They must show documents from an approved partner or international body.

There are two main ways to apply:

• Federal EMPP
  
• Regional EMPP (through the Atlantic Immigration Program or a Provincial Nominee Program)
  

Applicants must apply from outside Canada.

Federal EMPP: Two Options

1. Job Offer Stream
You need:

• A full-time job offer from a Canadian employer
  
• At least one year of full-time work experience
  
• Education and language test scores that match your job level (based on Canada’s TEER system)
  

2. No Job Offer Stream (Now closed)
You need:

• One year of recent full-time work in a higher-skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
  
• A high school diploma (Canadian or equivalent)
  
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all four language areas
  
• Proof of enough money to settle in Canada
  

Regional EMPP: Provincial Pathways

In this option, candidates first apply through a province or territory’s economic program like the Atlantic Immigration Program or a Provincial Nominee Program.

They must have:

• A full-time job offer
  
• Work experience or training related to the job
  
• Language ability in English or French
  

Some benefits include no need for an education assessment and more flexible work history rules. In some cases, applicants may qualify for a loan to help meet settlement fund needs.

Extra Support for EMPP Applicants

The government waives fees for applicants and their family members. They also pay for medical exams, travel costs, and the right of permanent residence fee. Applicants also receive help settling in Canada after arrival.

What Are Immigration Pilots?

Immigration pilots are short-term programs, usually lasting five years. They let the government test new ideas for welcoming immigrants. If a pilot works well, like the EMPP, it can become a permanent program.