Second Phase of EMPP Is Now Accepting Applications!

Today, second phase of EMPP (Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot) has officially started accepting applications. EMPP helps skilled refugees to immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs such as PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs), Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. This second phase of EMPP will help settle 500 refugees and their families in Canada.

EMPP is aimed to support Canadian labour market needs by combining refugee resettlement and economic immigration. Selection criteria is assessed using a particular economic immigration program requirement including the ability to settle independently in Canada.

Official news from IRCC states, “The pilot serves to level the playing field by removing barriers unique to refugees.”

There will be following new measures in this second phase of EMPP:

1. Quick processing of permanent residence applications for EMPP applicants so that, in majority of the cases, they can start working within 6 months of applying
2. Allow EMPP applicants to use a loan to demonstrate they have settlement funds
3. Waive fees for permanent residence applications
4. Simplify the application process by allowing scanned copies of documents
5. Provide pre-departure medical services to assist with immigration medical exams

Eligibility for EMPP:

You must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be eligible for one of the following economic immigration programs:
   1. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) High-Skilled Program
   2. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Intermediate-Skilled Program
   3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
   4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
2. You’re a convention or country of asylum refugee having one of the following documents:
   1. A valid, positive Refugee Status Determination (RSD) from the UNHCR or a refugee-hosting state
   2. A document that shows you’re a registered or recorded asylum seeker abroad
   3. A “person of concern” letter issued by the UNHCR for the EMPP
   4. You’re outside Canada and your country of persecution
   5. You have no durable solution in a third country
   6. You’re admissible to Canada

For more information from IRCC website on how to apply and eligibility, click here.