Canada has always been a place that believes in giving people real chances to rebuild their lives. One of the clearest examples is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, a program designed to help skilled refugees fill roles that Canadian employers cannot fill. The idea behind this program is simple. Give skilled refugees the opportunity to move to Canada permanently, work in jobs already waiting for them, and support industries that rely on trained staff.
 For years, this model worked smoothly. Processing times were short. Employers could plan ahead. Refugee families finally had stability. But in 2025, things look different. Processing delays are slowing down approvals, and both employers and talented refugee applicants are left waiting much longer than expected.

Why Processing Delays Are Having a Real Impact

The original processing timeline for the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot was around six months. For employers dealing with skill shortages in healthcare, engineering, agriculture or trades, this speed was a major advantage. Today, however, some applicants face waits averaging more than four years. That is a major jump from what employers were promised when the program was announced. These delays are creating two serious problems.
One is the impact on Canadian businesses. The other is the impact on the refugees themselves.

Businesses across sectors report:

• Production cuts
• Delayed expansion plans
• Cancelled projects
• Heavy revenue losses

These employers have already tried hiring locally and could not find trained workers. They turned to the EMPP because it offered skilled talent and a clear path for permanent residency. At the same time, refugee applicants who should already be working safely in Canada are still living through unsafe conditions. Many face arrest, deportation threats, evictions or months without stable income while waiting for a decision. Their job offers in Canada remain active, yet they cannot move forward.

Why Canada Still Believes in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

Even with longer wait times, Canada continues to recognise the value of skilled refugee workers. EMPP applicants bring real expertise to essential fields such as:

• Nursing
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Construction trades

These are also fields where Canada consistently faces skill shortages. EMPP was designed to help employers hire the right people while giving refugees a fair path to permanent residency. The program has already helped more than 1,200 people settle in Canada since 2018. That number may seem small, but the success stories behind those approvals show how powerful this program can be when processing times are working efficiently.

Why Are Processing Times Increasing?

Several factors are contributing to slower approvals:

Reason	Impact
Growing immigration applications	Creates pressure across all processing streams
Case complexity	EMPP applicants often require extra security and document checks
Applicant response times	Delays in submitting documents can slow down cases
Balancing immigration targets	Canada is controlling intake to keep immigration levels sustainable

Despite challenges, IRCC has stated that 80 percent of complete EMPP applications are now processed in about 17 months. This is still slower than before, but faster than the highest reported delays.

Public Attitudes and Immigration Trends in 2025

Canada remains one of the most welcoming places in the world for newcomers. However, recent polling shows a shift in public mood. Over half of Canadians believe the country admitted too many immigrants in recent years. Rising housing costs, pressure on public services and rapid population growth are influencing how the public views immigration levels. The government has responded. It plans to stabilise immigration targets over the next three years. The goal is balanced growth. Canada wants to continue attracting skilled people, while also ensuring housing, healthcare and resources are available for everyone.

Why The Program Still Matters for Canada’s Future

Even with delays, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot remains one of Canada’s most compassionate and practical programs. It helps employers hire trained, motivated workers while giving refugee families a safe future. This is a uniquely Canadian approach. It reflects the country’s belief in fairness, skills, and opportunity. With better processing efficiency, the program can once again become a reliable pathway for employers and refugees who want to build a better future together.

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot continues to be a meaningful bridge between skilled refugees and Canadian employers who need their expertise. While processing delays have created challenges, the purpose of the program remains strong. Canada is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for newcomers while helping its communities grow. With improved processing and stable immigration planning, EMPP can continue supporting both employers and families in the years ahead.