Canada Expands Immigration Opportunities for Skilled Refugees

Ottawa, June 12, 2023—In a world where refugees and displaced individuals face the daunting task of starting anew, Canada is pioneering a path that acknowledges and values their existing skills, training, experience, and education. Through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), the Canadian government is creating pathways for skilled refugees to continue their careers, thus leveraging a talent pool often overlooked.

New EMPP Streams Unveiled

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today the launch of two new streams under the EMPP. These initiatives fulfill a promise made earlier this year on March 27, 2023, while maintaining existing regional EMPP economic pathways.

Enhancing Economic and Humanitarian Goals

The newly introduced immigration streams not only provide Canadian employers with access to a global talent pool but also align with the nation’s humanitarian commitments. By integrating skilled refugees and displaced individuals into the workforce, Canada aims to bolster its economic immigration framework and address in-demand job vacancies.

The EMPP has incorporated efficiencies and improvements from its initial rollout, enabling newcomers to transition to Canada and commence work more swiftly. Importantly, the new streams eliminate the prerequisite of Canadian work experience, thereby reducing barriers for candidates.

Tailored Streams for Diverse Needs

Of the two new streams, the EMPP Federal Skills Job Offer Stream is specifically designed for candidates with job offers from Canadian employers. This stream targets a variety of high-demand roles including:

• Nurse aides
• Personal support workers
• Long-term care aides
• Software engineers
• Web designers
• Mechanical and electrical engineers and technicians
• Logistics and warehouse workers
• Tourism and hospitality workers
• Truck and delivery service drivers

Conversely, the EMPP Federal Skills Without a Job Offer Stream caters to highly skilled refugees who lack immediate job offers but possess skills in sufficient demand to secure employment post-arrival in Canada.

A Beneficial Endeavor for All

The EMPP serves as a beacon of opportunity for refugees, enabling them to utilize their skills for personal betterment and community enrichment. This initiative not only transforms the lives of the individuals and families involved but also enhances the Canadian workplaces and communities that embrace them.

A Model for Global Labour Mobility

As Canada assumes its role as Chair of the Global Taskforce on Labour Mobility, the expansion of the EMPP illustrates the country's dedication to modeling effective labour mobility programs for like-minded nations. It also reflects an adaptive immigration system responsive to both economic necessities and humanitarian commitments.

Through these efforts, Canada continues to fortify its standing as a compassionate leader in global immigration and labour mobility, ensuring a brighter future for refugees and the nation alike.