Canada to Launch New PR Pathway for Skilled Refugees in 2025

In 2025, Canada will open a new permanent residency door. The federal government has declared a new immigration route for displaced people and skilled refugees. The program is based on the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) that has enabled almost 1,000 individuals to settle in Canada since 2018.

The new path will be implemented as a part of the Canadian 2025-2026 immigration strategy and will be introduced before December 31, 2025, when the EMPP is scheduled to end.

What Is the EMPP?

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), which was launched in 2018, brings skilled refugees and other displaced persons in contact with Canadian employers. It enables them to migrate to Canada under the economic immigration programs.

Almost 970 people have arrived in Canada so far under this pilot between 2019 and March 2025.

How Does the EMPP Work?

The EMPP runs through federal and regional streams:

Federal streams:
Job Offer Stream – For applicants with a full-time job offer in Canada. They must have:
1+ year of work experience
Education and language skills matching Canada’s TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories
No Job Offer Stream – For high-skilled workers (TEER 0–3) without a job offer but with:
Strong education
CLB 7 in all four English/French language skills
(Note: This stream is currently closed)
Regional streams:
Linked to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Require a full-time job offer and language skills in English or French
Offer flexibilities like waivers for credential assessments and work hours, and access to settlement loans

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify under EMPP:

You must prove refugee or displaced status via approved documentation
You must apply from outside Canada
You must meet the job, education, and language criteria of the selected stream

Government Support & Fee Waivers

Canada offers strong support to EMPP applicants:

No application or biometric fees for you and your family
Medical exam costs covered
Travel and settlement assistance provided
No fee for the right of permanent residence

From Trial to Long-Term Pathway

Programs like EMPP are pilot projects—meant to test new ideas. When successful, they can become permanent immigration pathways. The new 2025 initiative reflects this evolution and shows Canada’s long-term plan to support global talent and humanitarian needs together.

More details about the new program are expected later this year.