Regional Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (Regional EMPP): Examination before granting permanent residence
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Regional Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (Regional EMPP) applicants arrive in Canada as economic permanent residents (PR). An examination should be done under the specific economic immigration pathway under which they applied:
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Examination before granting permanent residence
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Examination before granting permanent residence
- Processing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications: Examination before granting permanent residence as a Provincial Nominee
To become a permanent resident under the Regional EMPP, a foreign national must present their PR visa at a port of entry (POE) to Canada.
Accompanying family members of Regional EMPP applicants may only become permanent residents at the same time as, or after, the principal applicant has become a permanent resident. Family members of principal applicants cannot become permanent residents before the principal applicant (R72(4)).
A permanent resident visa holder in the Regional EMPP seeking PR status at a POE must establish that they still intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec.