FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025 — Canada — Canada has officially extended the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) federal stream until December 31, 2025. This is a big step forward in helping skilled refugees and Canadian employers connect through a pathway that offers real benefits to both groups.
At Northfield & Associates, with offices in Canada, we stay up to date on immigration changes. We can help individuals and employers navigate the EMPP and other immigration processes smoothly and confidently.
What is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)?
The EMPP is Canada’s first labour mobility program designed specifically for skilled refugees. It helps refugees and other displaced individuals living abroad move to Canada through job offers or by applying to certain regional economic immigration programs. Unlike traditional refugee resettlement programs, EMPP focuses on connecting qualified workers with employers in need.
What’s New:
The EMPP Extension
On June 12, 2025, the Canadian government announced that the federal EMPP stream is extended until the end of 2025. Here are the key updates:
- The program now includes a job-offer stream with a cap of 950 applications for the year 2025.
- There is also a no-job-offer stream, which is capped at 150 applicants per year.
- The goal is to allow skilled refugees to apply for permanent residence while supporting sectors that face labour shortages.
Why the EMPP Matters
Since it began in 2019, the EMPP has already helped 970 individuals and their families settle in Canada. Many of these newcomers are working in sectors that are in high demand, such as:
- Health care (30 percent of all placements)
- Construction
- Food services
This program not only helps newcomers rebuild their lives but also supports Canadian communities by filling important job vacancies.
How EMPP Benefits Refugees and Employers
For Refugees:
- Permanent residence in Canada
- Fee waivers for application and biometric requirements
- Medical exam costs covered
- Faster processing times (about 6 months)
- Access to Canada’s Immigration Loans Program to help cover relocation and pre-arrival costs
For Employers:
- Access to a larger pool of skilled workers
- Help filling essential positions in sectors like health care, trades, and hospitality
- A chance to support humanitarian efforts while meeting business needs
How EMPP Works
There are two main ways to apply:
- Through Regional Programs – Refugees can apply through existing regional economic programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
- Direct Federal Stream – Applicants can apply with or without a job offer, depending on the stream they choose.
All applicants must meet certain requirements and may be referred by trusted EMPP partners to ensure their eligibility.
Who Should Consider the EMPP?
Refugees abroad who:
- Have skills and work experience in high-demand industries
- Are looking to move to Canada permanently
Canadian employers who:
- Are experiencing labour shortages
- Are open to hiring skilled workers from a diverse background
How Northfield & Associates Can Help
At Northfield & Associates, we are committed to helping clients understand and apply to the EMPP. Whether you are an employer, looking to fill a job vacancy or a skilled refugee interested in moving to Canada, we can guide you through each step of the application process.
Our team of immigration lawyers has deep experience with federal and regional immigration programs. We stay current with all policy updates, including the latest EMPP extension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the job-offer and no-job-offer streams in the EMPP?
The job-offer stream requires applicants to have a valid offer of employment from a Canadian employer. The no-job-offer stream allows qualified refugees to apply without a job offer if they meet specific criteria and are referred by a trusted partner.
Can employers in Canada participate in the EMPP?
Yes. Employers in Canada or across Province can participate in the EMPP to hire skilled refugees. Northfield & Associates can assist local businesses in navigating the eligibility and application process.
How long does the EMPP process take?
The EMPP process is designed to be efficient. Most applications are processed within six months, making it one of the faster immigration options for skilled refugees.
Are there any fees for EMPP applicants?
Most fees are waived for EMPP applicants, including application and biometric fees. Medical exams are also covered under interim health benefits.
How can Northfield & Associates support my EMPP application?
Whether you are an employer or a refugee applicant, Northfield & Associates offers full legal support for EMPP applications. We provide personalized consultations and legal guidance to ensure a smooth process.
Book a Consultation with Northfield & Associates
If you are ready to explore the EMPP or other immigration options, contact Northfield & Associates today. We offer consultations and full legal support tailored to your situation. Let us help you make Canada your new home or grow your business with skilled, dedicated workers.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Working with Our Firm
In this evolving economic landscape, collaboration with our firm offers clients a strategic advantage. With Cambodia’s reform-driven investment environment and Canada’s expanding footprint in Southeast Asia, our team of experienced consultants and legal advisors provides tailored guidance to help businesses navigate cross-border opportunities. We focus in developing comprehensive legal strategies, structuring international partnerships, and ensuring compliance in emerging markets.
By leveraging our regional insight and international expertise, you benefit from a trusted partner dedicated to helping you capitalize on growth potential in Cambodia and beyond.
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At Northfield & Associates, we specialize in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), international trade missions, and cross-border legal strategy. Our team of experienced consultants and legal advisors offers tailored guidance and strategic insight to help you navigate the complexities of international partnerships and development opportunities.
Whether you choose to meet in person at one of our offices or connect virtually, we provide flexible and accessible consultation options. During your session, we’ll assess your goals, review key documentation, and guide you through every stage of your FDI or trade mission engagement.
Let us help you take the next step with confidence supported by trusted legal and strategic counsel every step of the way.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers should seek tailored legal advice in relation to their personal circumstances.
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About Northfield
Northfield & Associates International Corporation is a global strategic advisory and consulting firm partnering with private equity, sovereign, and institutional investors to deploy capital, manage regulatory, supporting senior leadership, boards, and capital providers across Cambodia, Canada, and international markets operating in complex regulatory, economic, and geopolitical environments, and drive enterprise value creation across complex global markets.
We advise boards, executives, entrepreneurs, and public-sector decision-makers on business strategy, institutional transformation, and high-stakes market challenges requiring disciplined judgment, capital efficiency, and execution certainty. Our work is concentrated across priority global sectors, including agribusiness, aviation and automotive, energy and natural resources, financial services, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, immigration, education, and information technology.
Our platform integrates sector-specific intelligence with multidisciplinary advisory capabilities. Clients benefit from coordinated access to consulting, legal and regulatory counsel, financial management, risk assessment, real estate advisory, immigration, education, and technology expertise. This integrated model supports informed capital allocation, regulatory-compliant investment structuring, and execution-ready strategies designed to optimise returns, preserve downside protection, and enhance risk-adjusted performance.
Northfield combines consulting rigor with legal and regulatory judgment to support capital markets-aligned decision-making in complex, regulated, and rapidly evolving environments. We partner with private enterprises, institutional investors, family offices, and public-sector entities to structure, deploy, and manage capital effectively; strengthen governance; mitigate regulatory and geopolitical risk; and drive sustainable enterprise value creation.
Our engagements span strategy formulation, operational optimisation, organisational design, and change execution. We deliver measurable outcomes that improve financial performance, support disciplined growth, enhance valuation, and generate durable returns on investment for investors, shareholders, and institutional stakeholders. We operate with independence, precision, and accountability, aligned with long-term value creation and fiduciary standards.
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