Canada Launches Two New Immigration Streams Under EMPP

The IRCC announced 2 new immigration streams this week under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). 

New Immigration Streams to Support Skilled Refugees and Displaced Individuals

In an effort to create more opportunities for skilled refugees and displaced individuals, Canada has unveiled two new immigration streams under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). These streams aim to harness the talents of individuals who are often overlooked and provide them with a chance to continue their careers in Canada, by utilising their education, skills, training, and experience.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. He highlighted Canada’s commitment to facilitating the integration of refugees and displaced people into society. Mondays announcement was also a follow up of the commitment made on March 27th. Candidates will also be able to continue to apply through existing regional EMPP economic pathways.

The introduction of these immigration streams offers Canadian employers access to a pool of skilled refugees to help them meet labour demands. This access not only helps to increase Canada’s economic immigration and fill important in-demand jobs, but also aligns with Canada’s existing humanitarian goals.

The first of the two streams, the EMPP Federal Skills Job Offer Stream, is tailored for candidates who have received a job offer from a Canadian employer. This stream enables Canadian businesses to hire qualified individuals for a wide range of in-demand positions. Job opportunities span various industries, including healthcare (nurse aides, personal support workers, long-term care aides), technology (software engineers, web designers), engineering (mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians), logistics and warehousing, tourism and hospitality, as well as truck and delivery services.

Meanwhile, the EMPP Federal Skills Without a Job Offer Stream is designed for highly-skilled refugees who do not possess a job offer. This stream recognizes that some candidates possess skills that are in high demand across Canada and will secure employment after arriving in Canada.

Expanding and scaling up the EMPP aligns with Canada’s commitment as Chair of the Global Taskforce on Labour Mobility. Last year alone, Canada resettle more than 46,500 refugees from over 80 countries. The Canadian government aims to continue to enhance its immigration systems responsiveness to both economic and humanitarian needs.

Immigration Targets for 2023-2025

Critical labour market shortages have led many to turn to immigration as a path forward in addressing these severe shortages. The 2023-2025 plan embraces immigration as a strategy to help businesses find workers. It also aims to attract the skills required to fill key sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology. This will help to manage the social and economic challenges facing Canada in the decades ahead.

Over the next three years, Canada will increase the number of new immigrants to the country each year. This year, Canada will aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. And it will again rise in 2025 to 500,000 new immigrants. Last year, Canada welcomed about 437,000. These ambitious immigration targets are largely aimed at reducing labour shortages across the country.

The new plan also aims to increase regional programs to address targeted local labour market needs, through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

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