Canada will launch a new permanent residency pathway before December 31, 2025, replacing the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). The program targets skilled refugees and displaced people, with a focus on healthcare, trades, education, and French-speaking candidates.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hasn’t published full eligibility rules yet. Officials say the goal is a stable route to permanent residency for people with skills Canada needs, while maintaining a strong humanitarian focus.
What’s changing and why it matters
- The EMPP linked skilled refugees to jobs since 2018 and settled nearly 970 people by March 2025.
Turning the pilot into a permanent pathway signals Canada’s intent to keep hiring skilled refugees and displaced workers at scale. - Express Entry no longer gives points for job offers. That change shifts attention to language, education, and Canadian experience, which now weigh more in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) rankings.
- The 2025–2027 immigration plan targets 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with about 62% in economic classes. Priority sectors include healthcare and trades, and Canada aims to grow Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
No, there’s no list of 118 companies
Despite online claims, there is no official list of “118 companies guaranteeing residency.” The government hasn’t released any list of employers that automatically lead to PR. The new pathway will build on employer connections like the EMPP, but IRCC has not confirmed guaranteed outcomes tied to specific companies.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests these claims likely come from misunderstandings or third-party marketing, not from any IRCC announcement.
Who can benefit
- Skilled refugees and displaced persons: Workers with experience in nursing, personal support, carpentry, welding, early childhood education, and similar roles can expect tailored options under the new permanent pathway.
- French speakers: Increased targets outside Quebec improve odds for Francophone candidates.
- Employers: Hospitals, long-term care homes, construction firms, and schools facing labour gaps can hire through refugee labour channels and then support PR once the new pathway opens.
How Express Entry fits now
- Job offers no longer add CRS points. Strong language test scores and higher education levels carry more weight.
- Canadian Experience Class candidates with at least one year of skilled Canadian work remain priority picks in alternating draws.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and French-language draws continue to shape who receives Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
What’s confirmed so far
- Launch: Before December 31, 2025, when the EMPP expires.
- Target groups: Skilled refugees, displaced persons, healthcare and trades workers, education workers, and French-speaking candidates.
- Rules status: IRCC hasn’t released detailed criteria, application steps, or required documents yet.
Practical steps you can take now
- Build proof of skills:
- Prepare reference letters, training certificates, and clear job descriptions.
- If your occupation is regulated (e.g., nursing), research licensure steps in your province.
- Improve language scores:
- Strong English or French scores can significantly improve chances—especially since job-offer points are removed in Express Entry.
- Seek lawful documentation:
- Gather identity and civil status documents you can legally obtain (e.g., UNHCR proof of registration, government-issued ID).
- Connect with trusted employers:
- Use reputable refugee employment partners and settlement groups that worked with the EMPP.
- Be wary of anyone promising “guaranteed residency.”
Application mechanics to watch
- If the new pathway mirrors EMPP features, expect:
- Employer involvement and streamlined proof of status for qualified refugees and displaced workers.
- IRCC to post official steps, forms, and fees upon launch.
- If Express Entry remains part of your plan:
- Review the system now and assess how your profile stacks up on language and education.
- Learn about Express Entry categories and ITA draws on the official IRCC Express Entry pages.
A worker’s path: a simple example
Amira, a refugee nurse with five years’ experience, secures a conditional job offer from a hospital in Ontario. Under current rules, the offer alone doesn’t boost her CRS score. But if the new permanent pathway opens with a direct stream for healthcare workers with refugee status, Amira could apply for PR through that route instead of relying only on Express Entry points. If her language scores and credential recognition align, she could move more quickly—helping the hospital fill a shortage and giving her family stability.
Employers’ role and responsibilities
Hospitals, care homes, construction firms, and schools can:
– Identify roles that match skilled refugees’ backgrounds.
– Partner with settlement organizations to support hiring and onboarding.
– Offer fair wages and clear training plans, especially where licensing or apprenticeships apply.
This approach fills pressing gaps while creating durable community ties.
What about fees and forms?
- IRCC hasn’t released the forms for the new pathway yet. When available, they will be posted on official IRCC pages.
- If medical exams, biometrics, or police certificates are needed, follow the instructions on the official site to avoid errors.
- For background information:
- Review the government’s immigration levels plan and operational updates on the IRCC website.
- Check IRCC news releases and Express Entry resources regularly.
Why the timing matters
Canada’s workforce is aging, and many regions face shortages in hospitals, long-term care, and skilled trades. A permanent program for skilled refugees helps meet those needs while honoring humanitarian commitments. By locking in a stable pathway, the government can scale partnerships with employers and reduce uncertainty for applicants.
What to ignore online
- Claims of “guaranteed residency” tied to a job offer at a specific company: IRCC hasn’t confirmed this.
- Claims that Express Entry job-offer points will return soon: No official notice supports that.
- Lists of “approved companies” selling spots: Red flags—report scams to authorities.
How to prepare for 2025
- Track IRCC announcements monthly.
- Keep language test results current.
- If abroad and displaced, connect with UNHCR or recognized agencies for documentation and referrals.
- If in Canada on a work or study permit, consider the Canadian Experience Class route alongside the new pathway when it opens.
What experts are watching next
- Eligibility definition: Who qualifies as a “skilled refugee,” and what documents will IRCC accept to prove status and work history?
- Sector lists: Whether IRCC publishes a priority occupation list for healthcare, trades, and education.
- Processing speed: Whether cases move faster than EMPP timelines once scaled.
Key takeaways:
– A new permanent residency pathway will open before December 31, 2025, replacing the EMPP.
– It centers on skilled refugees, displaced persons, and workers in healthcare, trades, education, and French-speaking roles.
– There is no official list of 118 companies guaranteeing residency.
– Strengthen language, credential proof, and trusted employer connections now.
For official updates and program details as they’re released, follow the IRCC website’s news and program pages. As reported by VisaVerge.com, relying on official sources and avoiding unverified “guaranteed PR” offers is the safest path forward.
This Article in a Nutshell
