Canada to Launch Landmark Immigration Program in 2025, Expanding Opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Talent
In a major move aimed at reshaping the country’s humanitarian immigration landscape, Canada is preparing to launch a new permanent pathway to permanent residency in 2025, building on the framework of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).
The upcoming program, as revealed in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) 2025–2026 Departmental Plan, will establish a permanent immigration stream for skilled refugees and displaced persons seeking to live and work in Canada. This new pathway is expected to officially roll out before the current EMPP pilot concludes on December 31, 2025.
A New Era for Refugee-Focused Economic Immigration
Canada’s new program represents the first national-scale effort to offer permanent economic immigration to displaced individuals and refugees, a category typically served by humanitarian resettlement alone. While the government has not yet disclosed all the eligibility requirements or program structure, the announcement signals a pivotal policy shift that prioritizes both economic potential and vulnerability in immigration selection.
This initiative is grounded in the positive results of the EMPP, a program that IRCC originally introduced in 2018 as a pilot project. The EMPP aimed to match skilled refugees with Canadian employers facing labor shortages. As of March 2025, 970 individuals have been admitted to Canada under this pilot since its inception.
Overview of the Current EMPP Framework
Under the existing EMPP, skilled refugees and displaced persons can apply for permanent residence through federal or regional pathways, depending on their circumstances. Regardless of the stream, applicants must apply from outside Canada.
Federal EMPP Streams
The federal EMPP currently has two application tracks, each with an annual limit:
- Job Offer Stream (950 annual spots): Requires a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer, at least one year of related work experience, and language/education qualifications according to the TEER classification of the job.
- No Job Offer Stream (150 annual spots): Requires one year of recent experience in TEER categories 0 to 3, a high school diploma (Canadian or equivalent), and CLB 7 in English or French. This stream is currently closed to new applications.
Both federal options also require applicants to prove they have sufficient settlement funds.
Regional EMPP Pathways Through AIP and PNP
Applicants may also apply through regional streams that integrate the EMPP with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Eligibility requirements for these programs vary by province or territory but generally include:
- A full-time job offer from a participating employer;
- Proof of English or French language proficiency;
- Relevant education and/or work experience.
Notably, EMPP applicants through AIP are not required to submit educational credential assessments or verify a specific number of hours worked. Additionally, they may apply for settlement loans to meet financial requirements.
Incentives and Support for EMPP Participants
The federal government offers comprehensive support to EMPP applicants, including:
- Waived application and biometric fees for both the applicant and accompanying family members;
- Medical exam costs covered by the government;
- Right of permanent residence fee support;
- Tailored settlement assistance, including travel cost coverage and integration services.
From Pilot to Policy: What This Means for the Future
Canada’s move to turn the EMPP into a permanent fixture of its immigration system reflects its evolving approach to refugee resettlement—one that acknowledges the economic contributions that displaced individuals can make when given opportunities to thrive.
Immigration pilots in Canada are typically designed to operate for five years. If proven successful, they often serve as blueprints for broader, permanent programs. The transformation of the EMPP from a limited-scope initiative into a nationwide immigration option could pave the way for a new global standard in refugee mobility and economic integration.
More information about eligibility criteria, program structure, and application procedures for the new 2025 program is expected to be released in the coming months.
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