by Cristina Zohil-Morton
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by Cristina Zohil-Morton
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How Employers Can Use the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP) Canada
Canadian employers can recruit skilled refugees through Economic Mobility Pathways Project Canada pathway to fill labour shortages. Employers benefit by gaining access to candidates whose skills match National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 categories and who meet education, language and work-experience thresholds. Some federal and regional EMPP streams may have caps or be temporarily closed, so it’s essential to consult with a professional prior to pursuing this pathway.
Who Qualifies: Eligibility for the Economic Mobility Pathways Project Canada
To qualify for an EMPP route, candidates typically must be refugees or displaced people outside their home country, demonstrate required work experience and education, and meet language ability thresholds (for some streams CLB/NCLC 7 in the four abilities is required). Regional streams normally require a valid job offer while some federal streams include a no job offer stream with stricter language and credential requirements.
Practical Steps for Employers and Candidates
- Confirm whether the regional or federal EMPP stream is open for applications on the Government of Canada website.
- For employers: prepare a job offer that meets the requirements of the relevant economic program (for example the Atlantic Immigration Program or a Provincial Nominee Program where applicable).
- For candidates: gather proof of refugee or displaced status, education or credential assessments, and approved language test results where required.
- Work with settlement partners and immigration counsel to ensure admissibility, settlement planning and any special supports are in place.
Key Differences Between EMPP Streams
The EMPP includes regional options (linked to specific provincial or regional economic programs) and a federal EMPP stream. Regional EMPP pathways usually require a job offer through the linked program, while the federal EMPP historically offered both a job-offer stream and a no-job-offer stream subject to eligibility rules and program caps.
Settlement and Labour-market Integration Considerations
Refugees arriving through economic pathways may require targeted settlement support because economic pathways differ from traditional resettlement routes. Early planning for credential recognition, bridging programs, and local labour-market supports helps new arrivals integrate and contributes to better employment outcomes.
How Zohil-Morton Law Can Help
We advise employers and skilled refugees on EMPP eligibility, preparing job offers, Provincial Nominee Program linkages, admissibility issues, and settlement planning. For employer-focused corporate immigration support, see our Corporate Immigration services. If you are a candidate or sponsor with questions about temporary or permanent pathways, see our Individual Immigration services page.
At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide trusted legal advice to help you navigate complex Canadian immigration processes. Still have questions? Book a consultation today with Cristina Zohil-Morton and the team at Zohil-Morton Law.
Our Partnership with THE MAC Group
Relocation is more than just paperwork – it is about helping employees and their families feel at home in Canada. That is why we have partnered with THE MAC Group, a trusted leader in relocation services. We collaborate with THE MAC Group to align immigration strategy with broader workforce and mobility objectives. This integrated approach helps employers plan hiring, relocation, and retention in tandem so people arrive on time and remain compliant throughout their assignment.
Through our collaboration, we offer full-service global mobility solutions, including:
- Work permit and immigration legal support
- Housing, schooling, and family relocation support
- Onboarding assistance and cultural orientation
- Ongoing global mobility legal compliance for your company
- Real estate services, including buying, renting, and selling
Stay Informed
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration professional regarding your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Economic Mobility Pathways Project
What is the Economic Mobility Pathways Project?
The Economic Mobility Pathways Project is a Canadian initiative that helps skilled refugees and displaced people immigrate through economic immigration programs. It provides administrative flexibilities and supports to help eligible candidates use labour-based pathways.
Who can apply to the EMPP?
Eligible applicants are refugees or displaced people outside their home country who meet the criteria for the federal or regional EMPP stream, including education, work experience and language requirements where applicable. Many regional streams require a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Can employers hire through the Economic Mobility Pathways Project?
Yes. Employers can recruit skilled refugees through EMPP pathways to fill labour-market needs. Employers should confirm stream status and eligibility requirements on IRCC’s official pages before proceeding.
Are there fees or supports available for EMPP applicants?
Some EMPP streams include fee waivers, medical coverage under interim programs, and access to immigration loans for travel costs where applicable. Check the IRCC EMPP pages for exact program supports and eligibility.
How can Zohil-Morton Law help applicants and employers with the EMPP?
We help with eligibility assessments, job-offer preparation, linking EMPP applications to PNPs or regional programs, admissibility screening, and settlement planning.
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