Economic Mobility Pathways Project – Canada

Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP): Your Path to Canada

The Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP) offers a unique opportunity for skilled refugees to immigrate to Canada. This innovative program combines refugee resettlement with economic immigration, helping you build a new life in Canada while addressing labor needs for Canadian employers.

What is EMPP?

EMPP is a pathway designed to assist skilled refugees in immigrating to Canada through existing economic programs. It provides a means for qualified individuals to utilize their skills and experience to secure permanent residency, while also connecting Canadian employers with a diverse pool of talented candidates to fill job openings.

Who Can Access EMPP?

Any refugee who meets the minimum eligibility criteria is encouraged to apply. To be considered, you must meet the following:

• Recognized Refugee Status: You must be a recognized refugee in Kenya.
• Age: You must be between 21 and 55 years of age.
• Education: You must have completed high school education.
• Work Experience: You must have completed and been paid for at least one year of experience in the field for which you are applying.

Occupational Categories:

Please apply only if you fit into the specified occupational categories. You will need to check the links provided in the application form to see if your specific occupation is listed among the examples in the overall categories.

Important Note for Healthcare Workers:

RefugePoint will continue to receive applications for healthcare workers through the dedicated application link (see “How to Apply” below). If you have previously submitted an application for healthcare through the RefugePoint email, please DO NOT submit another one. Only new applications for skills in the healthcare sector should be submitted. Submission of multiple applications will lead to disqualification.

Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Know

To be eligible for EMPP, candidates will be required to:

• Meet Program Criteria: This program selects immigrants based on their skills and other economic factors such as work experience, education, and language abilities.
• Provincial Nominee and Federal Programs: Identified candidates will be considered for immigration under Provincial Nominee Program streams of participating provinces and territories, as well as under federal programs. All of these programs offer the opportunity to work and live in Canada with permanent status.
• No Exemptions: No exemptions will be made to the program criteria.
• Permanent Resident Status: If approved under an economic program, you will be granted permanent resident status in Canada upon arrival.
• Economic Program, Not Resettlement: Unlike traditional refugee resettlement programs, economic programs DO NOT assess vulnerability or humanitarian factors. Those granted permanent residence under an economic program as part of EMPP will NOT be coming to Canada as resettled refugees.
• No Government Resettlement Assistance: You will not be eligible for government assistance typically provided to resettled refugees, including income support and health coverage from the Government of Canada, nor will you be eligible to access settlement support reserved for resettled refugees.
• Settlement Programs for Economic Permanent Residents: However, Canada offers many settlement programs for economic permanent residents and their families, including language training, job training, and other community services.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: By coming to Canada with funds and/or a job offer, economic permanent residents are expected to have the necessary means to establish themselves and their families in Canada.

What to Expect After Applying:

• Shortlisting: Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Multi-Layered Screening: Applying for EMPP is just the first step in a multi-layered screening process to identify suitable candidates. You will be contacted if you successfully navigate this process and match available job opportunities.
• Patience is Key: For successful candidates, the process can take 12-18 months from the acceptance of a job offer to your arrival in Canada. Patience is essential.

How to Apply:

A. Online Application (Recommended):

• Use this link to make your application: google forms
• For French Speakers: Right-click outside the application form and select ‘translate’ to translate the form to French.

B. Email Application (If experiencing issues with the Google Form):

• If you are having trouble accessing the Google form, you can send your application to our email address: empp2023@refugepoint.org
• Required Documents for Email Applications: You MUST include the following in your email application:
  • Your CV
  • Proof of registration
  • Refugee ID
  • Education & work certificates
  • CLB scores for language (Use this link for your language assessment: clb-osa.ca. We will only assess applications submitting all required documents.
• Avoid Duplication: DO NOT submit another application if you have already done so through the Google form or previously through email.

C. Prepare Your Documents:

• Before starting your application, carefully read the instructions on the application link to avoid submitting incomplete forms, which will lead to automatic disqualification.
• You are required to attach the following documents with your application. Please prepare to have them on hand and label them according to the instructions (they must include your full name: First name, Middle name, Last name, and Doe-Refugee ID).
  1. Refugee ID/Waiting Slip
  2. UNHCR Proof of Registration / Manifest
  3. Formal language test results. If you have not completed a formal test, please go to this link and complete one: clb-osa.ca . (Note: English speakers should select to take the test in English, and French speakers should select to take the test in French).
  4. Any work testimonials you might have.

D. Truthfulness is Key:

• You are required to answer all questions in this form and in subsequent interviews or applications under the EMPP truthfully. Willfully misrepresenting or omitting relevant information could lead to disqualification from the program.

Good luck!

Important Fraud Notice:

Please be informed that the process is free of cost, and RefugePoint does not charge any money to receive or process your application. Please report any fraud to: fraud@refugepoint.org

Important Disclaimer

The information provided here about the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP) is for general guidance only and is based on the details shared by RefugePoint. Immigration policies and program criteria can change without notice. This information does not constitute legal advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with official sources, such as the Canadian government’s immigration website and RefugePoint directly, for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Our website is providing this information as a resource but is not directly involved in the application process or decision-making for the EMPP. Always verify all requirements and procedures with the official program administrators.

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