A unique immigration pathway for skilled refugees and displaced individuals to contribute to Canada’s economy and build a new life. 
Program Overview
In response to the evolving situation in Hong Kong, the Government of Canada introduced two special permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents. These pathways are designed for individuals currently residing in Canada and are available until August 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the EMPP, applicants must:
● Refugee or Displaced Status: Provide proof of their status through one of the following:
● A positive Refugee Status Determination (RSD) from the UN Refugee Agency or a refugee-hosting state.
● Proof of registration or recognition as a person of concern by the UN Refugee Agency.
● A refugee certificate from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
● Proof of temporary protected status along with a completed Durable Solutions form (IMM 0195).
● Residence: Be living outside Canada at the time of application.
● Admissibility: Meet Canada’s admissibility requirements, including health and security checks.
Application Streams
Applicants can apply through one of two streams:
1. Federal EMPP
● Job Offer Stream:
● Requires a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in a TEER 0–5 occupation.
● Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of full-time, paid work experience in the same TEER category.
● Language proficiency requirements vary by TEER category:
● TEER 0–3: CLB/NCLC 5
● TEER 4–5: CLB/NCLC 4
● No Job Offer Stream:
● Open to applicants without a job offer.
● Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, paid work experience in a TEER 0–3 occupation within the last three years.
● Education requirements include a Canadian secondary school credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
● Language proficiency: CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities.
● Note: This stream is capped at 150 applications per year.
2. Regional EMPP
Applicants must be eligible for one of the following economic immigration programs:
● Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
● Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
● Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) (Note: RNIP is no longer accepting new applications.)
Additional facilitation measures under the Regional EMPP may include:
● Exemptions from certain documentation requirements.
● Access to loans to meet settlement fund requirements.
● Simplified application processes.
Application Process
1. Determine Eligibility: Assess which EMPP stream suits your qualifications and circumstances.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents, including proof of refugee or displaced status, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
3. Obtain a Referral (if applicable): If you lack formal refugee documentation, obtain a referral letter from a trusted partner organization.
4. Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the appropriate portal, ensuring all forms and documents are included.
5. Await Processing: Processing times may vary; applicants will be notified of decisions or requests for additional information.
Trusted Partner Organizations
If you do not have formal refugee documentation, you can obtain a referral letter from one of Canada’s trusted partner organizations, such as:
● TalentLift
● Talent Beyond Boundaries
● Jumpstart Refugee Talent
● RefugePoint
● HIAS
● International Rescue Committee
● World University Service of Canada
These organizations assess eligibility and can provide the necessary referral to support your EMPP application.
No. Applicants must be residing outside Canada at the time of application
While standard fees for economic immigration programs apply, certain facilitation measures under the EMPP may reduce or waive specific fees
Processing times vary based on the stream and individual circumstances. Applicants will be notified of decisions or requests for additional information.
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in your application and may accompany you to Canada. .
Need Assistance with Your EMPP Application?
Navigating the EMPP can be complex. Our certified immigration consultants are here to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth application process.