Canada PR Pathway for Skilled Refugees and Employers
Canada has recently announced an extension of its Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), aimed at assisting refugees and other vulnerable individuals in applying for permanent residency (PR). This innovative program acknowledges the skills and qualifications of refugees, helping them fill critical job gaps in the Canadian workforce.
What is the EMPP?
The EMPP is Canada’s first dedicated pathway that allows refugees to gain access to job opportunities while applying for PR. According to Canada’s immigration ministry, this program offers safe and legal migration routes for those who may not qualify for traditional resettlement options. Since its inception, the EMPP has successfully been helping candidates meet the labour market demand across various sectors, notably healthcare, construction, and food services.
From its start until the end of March 2025, around 970 individuals have been admitted through this beneficial pathway, which aims to address the labour shortage in Canada. More than 30% of the admissions have been in the healthcare sector, which is especially critical at this time.
Why the Extension?
The extension of the EMPP until December 31, 2025, is intended to allow more skilled workers the chance to contribute to the Canadian economy. The anticipated cap for the job offer stream in 2025 is 950 applications, enabling more refugees to apply for permanent residency while supporting employers struggling to find necessary workers.
This program aims to assist skilled refugees in settling permanently while addressing labour shortages, particularly in essential sectors such as healthcare. The government’s emphasis on this initiative reflects its commitment to creating a balanced immigration policy that meets economic needs.
Additionally, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to adjust the scoring system for some married applicants, allowing them the choice of declaring their spouse as a “non-accompanying” individual, which offers greater flexibility during the application process for PR.
Finding Jobs in Canada
If you’re an international candidate considering moving to Canada, finding a job that offers visa sponsorship is crucial. While popular platforms like Job Bank and LinkedIn can be useful, a specialized site like VisaJobsCanada.com focuses exclusively on job listings that offer sponsorship explicitly for international applicants. With every position backed by visa support, it’s an excellent resource to kickstart your Canadian job search.
For those looking to work and live in Canada, taking advantage of programs like the EMPP and exploring job opportunities on VisaJobsCanada.com can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Have your say!
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