BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Closed: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

Closed: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.
Download PDF

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $600

Stay Duration

Permanent Residence

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Not specified

Start Visa Discovery Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The Canadian EMPP granted permanent residence to skilled refugees and displaced people living outside Canada and their country of persecution. Application and biometrics fees were waived; only the 600 CAD Right of Permanent Residence Fee applied, coverable by an Immigration Loan.

Most applications were processed within 6 months. No job offer was required for one stream; a job offer unlocked higher TEER occupations. Spouses and dependent children could be included in the same PR application. The program closed to new applications on December 31, 2025.

This visa is ideal for UNHCR-recognized refugees with skilled work experience who wanted a low-cost direct path to Canadian permanent residence without leaving a third country.

Canada

Curious about life in Canada?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Application feeCAD $0
Biometrics feeCAD $0
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)CAD $600
TotalCAD $600

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a refugee or displaced person living outside of Canada and your country of persecution.

Must provide valid proof of status (UNHCR Refugee Status Determination, UNHCR Person of Concern document, UNRWA registration, or a referral letter from an approved EMPP partner NGO).

Must meet the qualification requirements for one of the economic immigration streams (e.g. EMPP Federal Skilled Worker, EMPP Canadian Experience Class, or regional PNP/AIP pathways).

Must be admissible to Canada (security and medical clearance).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Refugee Status Determination (RSD) or UNHCR/UNRWA registration document or partner referral letter.

Valid passport or travel document.

Job offer letter (if applying through an employer-led stream).

Language test results (showing minimum CLB level).

Educational credentials or ECA report.

Proof of work experience.

Application Process

1

Step 1

Check qualification for the EMPP and economic immigration streams.

2

Step 2

Obtain proof of refugee or displaced status (e.g., RSD, UNHCR certificate, or partner referral letter).

3

Step 3

Apply through an EMPP partner organization or directly if you have a job offer.

4

Step 4

Prepare and submit your PR application online under the EMPP stream.

5

Step 5

Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (or apply for an Immigration Loan) and undergo medical/security checks.

6

Step 6

Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) upon approval.

Ready to see if the Closed: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery