On March 27, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced that Canada will launch a new economic pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to help employers hire skilled refugees and other displaced individuals.

The EMPP pairs skilled refugees and other qualified displaced individuals with Canadian employers who need to overcome labour shortages in key occupations. This allows Canada to welcome vulnerable people, while giving Canadian employers access to an untapped talent pool from which they can attract and retain employees with the skills they need to help grow our economy.

The Government of Canada is expanding the EMPP by creating a new federal pathway. The new pathway, which will complement existing EMPP pathways, will open this summer.

Minister Fraser Announces a New Federal Immigration Pathway

What About New Immigration Pathways For International Students?

At the time of this writing, no immigration pathways specific to international students have been released in 2023. However, many international students are hopeful that new PR programs will be released to help overcome the disadvantages they have experienced due to the COVID pandemic and pauses in Express Entry draws.

Bill C-19 – Targeted Express Entry Draws

After Bill C-19 received royal assent, amendments were made that would impact Express Entry in 2023 and onward. Most importantly, Bill C-19 would allow IRCC to conduct Express Entry draws based on Express Entry pool groups and categories rather than only immigration classes such as Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and No Program Specific draws.

How would Bill C-19 impact Express Entry?

1. With Bill C-19 passed, candidates can now be invited based on “groupings” set out by the Immigration Minister.
2. Under this new system, groupings will be established based on economic goals.
3. The groupings will most likely be chosen based on factors such as employment experience, academic experience, or proficiency in English or French.

New TR to PR Program 2023

The first TR to PR pathway was announced by Immigration Minister of Canada, Marco Mendicino, on April 14, 2021. Over 80,000 international graduates and essential workers were able to take advantage of the program and apply for permanent residency.

No TR to PR program has been announced for 2023 but many international students are hopeful that the new Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, will bring back this popular program to help international graduates who have been negatively impacted by IRCCs decision to pause Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class.