published on 20 June 2025 @ 4:00 pm · COMMENT

Permanent Residence Pathway for Skilled Refugees and Displaced Persons Extended to December 31, 2025

Given its success in helping Canadian businesses meet their labour market needs over the last six years, the Canadian government has announced that the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) will be extended until December 31, 2025. This pilot project allows skilled refugees and displaced persons to directly qualify for permanent residence based on their work experience, education, and language skills, without the need to be selected through Express Entry or a Provincial Nomination Program.

Since its inception in 2019, a total of 970 EMPP candidates have been admitted as permanent residents and have been able to fill labour market needs in highly in-demand sectors including health care (more than 30% of total admissions) and construction. Key to success of this program has been its partnerships with non-government organizations that match employers with skilled refugees and displaced persons overseas and support them as the chosen candidates settle in Canada.

The EMPP has enabled Canada to simultaneously meet workforce demands while advancing humanitarian objectives. The program helps fill critical labour gaps while supporting refugees and displaced persons in building new lives in Canada. This dual approach highlights the EMPP’s success as both an economic and compassionate immigration initiative.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE