The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement with an economic immigration pathway. It is designed to attract highly skilled refugees and displaced persons – an often overlooked talent pool. EMPP was first launched by the Canadian Government in April 2018 to support Canadian employers in finding skilled refugees that could meet their labour needs, while also providing safe and durable solutions for refugees needing safety and protection. This initiative allows refugees to contribute meaningfully to the economy while giving Canadian employers access to a new source of skilled talent. The EMPP program has supported employers in various sectors, including healthcare, skilled trades, and software engineering.
International recruitment can be complicated due to mandatory recruitment campaigns, lengthy processing times, complex compliance requirements, and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA). However, the EMPP makes the process more accessible and efficient for employers and candidates. Below is a step-by-step outline of what employers can expect when engaging with the EMPP.
EMPP Process Overview for Canadian Employers
1. Job Matching
Start by selecting roles* that need to be filled. While there are some restrictions on eligible roles, most employers use the EMPP to hire for positions covering a broad range of occupations like restaurant managers, construction workers, engineers, and healthcare professionals.
Once you submit your job description, Jumpstart Refugee Talent provides a shortlist of skilled candidates from our database of over 114,000 individuals, including more than 16,000 medical professionals and 62,000 trades and skilled workers. Our candidates come from diverse backgrounds, with primary regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Approximately 80% hold a bachelor’s degree and speak either English or French as a second language
As part of the process, we conduct an initial assessment with candidates to ensure they meet your requirements and have at least an intermediate level of English – equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 6 or greater.
*Please note that all roles must be full-time, non-seasonal.
2. Recruitment Process
After receiving the candidate shortlist, you can design a recruitment process that suits your needs, whether it follows your standard approach or is customized. Since candidates are not based in Canada, the process must be virtual, and you can control the number of steps involved. Jumpstart can assist with interview logistics, such as scheduling or providing support during the interview process, allowing you to be as involved as you prefer. We also have a dedicated team to ensure your candidate is well-prepared and interview-ready. Once you’ve conducted interviews, selected your successful candidates, and issued job offers, Jumpstart arranges an informed decision-making session. This session guides candidates through the process, sets expectations, and prepares them for life in Canada
3. Immigration Process
The immigration process requires only a valid job offer from your company. You may work with your own licensed immigration team or our partners at Fragomen, the world’s leading immigration law firm. The EMPP offers a streamlined process compared to traditional immigration routes, making it faster and more efficient for employers and candidates alike.
4. Relocation Support
Our dedicated relocation team supports your candidates throughout their journey. This team assists with everything from arranging travel to Canada to connecting candidates with settlement agencies and ensuring they have everything necessary to settle into their new environment, keeping you, as an employer, updated at each step.
Candidates arrive in Canada as economic migrants with permanent residency status and are responsible for part of their relocation costs. Financial assistance through government loans is available if needed and can be used for travel and relocation expenses. Jumpstart also supports employers in preparing for candidates’ arrival by providing resources, such as resource guides, regular check-ins, and government resources, to ensure a smooth integration into the workplace and community.
5. Timelines & Expectations
Compared to traditional immigration pathways, the EMPP offers faster processing times, making it an efficient solution for employers seeking skilled talent. Typically, the immigration process takes about six months after a job offer is issued, depending on specific circumstances. Jumpstart Refugee Talent and its partners work closely with employers and candidates, providing support at every step to keep the process on track.
By participating in the EMPP, you help address Canada’s labour shortages while providing skilled refugees and displaced individuals a chance to build new lives. This streamlined process enables employers to access a highly qualified talent pool, creating a positive impact for Canada’s workforce and the global refugee network.