EMPP Streams

Federal EMPP

1. Job Offer Stream

   • Full-time, non-seasonal job offer in a NOC TEER 0–5 occupation

   • Minimum 1 year of full-time, paid work experience (1,560 hours, self-employment allowed)

   • Language requirement: CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0–3, CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4–5

   • Education aligned with job offer requirements (secondary to university level)

2. No Job Offer Stream (150 applications per year)

   • At least 1 year of full-time, paid experience in TEER 0–3 within the last 3 years (excluding self-employment)

   • Language requirement: CLB/NCLC 7 in all abilities

   • Canadian secondary school credential or foreign equivalent (ECA required)

   • Proof of settlement funds (loans, gifts, or income accepted)

Regional EMPP

Applicants can also apply through:

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

AIP Benefits under EMPP:

• No Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) required

• More flexible work experience timelines

• Ability to use loans for settlement funds

Note: PNP applicants must meet provincial requirements, which may differ from AIP.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be refugees or displaced individuals living outside Canada and must provide one of the following:

• Positive Refugee Status Determination (RSD) from UNHCR or a host country

• UNHCR or UNRWA registration documents

• Temporary Protected Status with valid documentation

• Referral letter from an approved EMPP partner organization

EMPP Partner Organizations

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in connecting candidates and employers. Key partners include:

• Talent Beyond Boundaries

• TalentLift

• Jumpstart Refugee Talent

• RefugePoint

• HIAS

• Focus Humanitarian Assistance

• World University Service of Canada

• International Rescue Committee

These NGOs assist with talent identification, job matching, immigration paperwork, and settlement services.

For Employers

Canadian employers hiring through the EMPP gain:

• Access to a new global talent pool

• NGO assistance in recruitment, onboarding, and settlement

• Expedited six-month processing for approved applications

• Support in navigating both immigration and employment processes

Employers typically pay $5,000–$10,000 per hire to NGOs for services, which may include visa costs, relocation, and temporary accommodation. No fees are payable to the GNWT for EMPP participation, but standard Government of Canada immigration fees apply.

Application Process

1. Employer partners with an NGO to identify suitable candidates

2. Candidate confirms eligibility (refugee/displaced person status + program requirements)

3. Employer issues job offer (if applying under Job Offer Stream)

4. Candidate applies under the appropriate EMPP stream (federal or regional)

5. Application assessed by IRCC (target: 6 months)

6. Approved candidates receive permanent residence and resettle in Canada

Processing Time

• Target: 6 months for 80% of applications

• Processing may take longer if demand exceeds available program spaces

Fees

• No fees to the GNWT

• Government of Canada fees apply (e.g., Right of Permanent Residence)

• Employer service fees to NGO partners: $5,000–$10,000 per hire