As of December 31, 2025, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) has officially ended. This innovative program, which bridged the gap between labor shortages in Canada and the skills of displaced persons abroad, is no longer accepting new applications.
If you are a candidate, employer, or stakeholder, here is everything you need to know about the current status of the program and what happens next.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
While the program is closed to new entries, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue to process all complete applications that were submitted on or before the December 31, 2025, deadline.
- Status: Active processing for existing files.
- Medical & Travel Costs: Applicants already in the system will still have access to the Interim Federal Health Program (for medical exams) and the Immigration Loans Program.
- Settlement: Successful applicants will still arrive in Canada as permanent residents and receive full settlement and integration services.
A Look Back: What was the EMPP?
The EMPP was a groundbreaking initiative designed to help skilled refugees immigrate to Canada through economic pathways rather than traditional refugee resettlement. It offered two main streams:
- Regional EMPP: This allowed candidates to apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
- Federal EMPP: A dedicated stream that included both a Job Offer pathway and a No Job Offer pathway for highly skilled individuals.
The program was successful in helping Canadian employers fill critical gaps in the workforce while providing a "durable solution" for displaced persons to rebuild their lives through their professional talents.
Why Did the EMPP End?
The EMPP was designed as a "pilot" program. Pilot programs are temporary measures used by the Canadian government to test new immigration strategies. These programs typically have a set end date or a specific "cap" on the number of applications they can accept.
With the pilot phase concluded, IRCC will likely evaluate the program's data and outcomes to determine if a permanent version of this pathway will be introduced in the future.
What are the Alternatives?
Since the EMPP is closed, skilled workers and displaced persons looking to move to Canada should explore other active economic classes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: For those with high levels of education and work experience.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): For those looking to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): For workers with skills specifically needed by certain provinces.
- Agri-Food Pilot: For workers in specific agricultural and food production industries.
Note for Applicants: Even though the EMPP has ended, your path to Canada doesn't have to. IRCC continues to manage dozens of programs aimed at bringing skilled talent to the country.