If you are a skilled refugee who has secured a job offer from an employer in Canada as part of EMPP, Windmill Microlending can offer you a low-interest settlement loan to help you establish yourself, once you arrive.
Proof of funds is how you show that you have enough money to settle in Canada when you apply to immigrate. Depending on the immigration program you choose, and even with a valid job offer, you may be asked to provide written proof of your funds, showing that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) candidates can now prove they have these funds using acceptance for a settlement loan from Windmill Microlending. Note: Windmill refugee settlement loans will only be dispersed after you arrive in Canada and cannot be used for travel costs to Canada.
EMPP stands for Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, launched by the Government of Canada in partnership with some non-profit organizations to support the migration and settlement of economic refugees who qualify to settle within this stream in Canada. Windmill Microlending provides settlement loans as part of the EMPP Loan Program. The funds can not be used for permanent residence application fees, Right of Permanent Residence fees, biometric fees, medical fees, exit permits, travel document fees and travel costs to Canada. It can be used for rent, buying of furniture and other living allowance-related expenses within the first few months upon landing in Canada. Only EMPP refugee candidates are eligible for a Windmill settlement loan.
To be eligible for a Windmill Microlending EMPP loan, you would need to meet the below criteria:
Windmill Microlending’s EMPP loan program provides up to a maximum of $15,000 Cad to each applicant at any given point in time. Each loan request is based on need and family size and settlement funds required under Canada’s economic immigration. The minimum loan amount that can be borrowed is $1000, and the maximum is $15,000.
From October 1, 2023, all new Windmill EMPP loans are set at a fixed interest rate of 6.7% for the entire loan duration. There are no other hidden or administrative fees.
From the time you receive the funds into your account, your lower monthly payments towards the Interest-only payment period begin from the disbursement date up to a 6 to 12- month period (depending on the loan amount borrowed). After the Interest-only payment period, your monthly payments will increase to start repaying your Principal + Interest payment period for another 24-36 months (depending on the loan amount borrowed).
Once you are deemed eligible for a Windmill EMPP loan, you will go through stages of the application process: STAGE 1 – Pre-Arrival Stage & STAGE 2 – Post-Arrival Stage.
The EMPP program is currently unavailable in Quebec, our French-speaking province in Canada. Please consult with the following organizations about support for French-speaking applicants in search of employment in other provinces in Canada.
Serving more than 7,000 newcomers to Canada since 2005, Windmill Microlending is a national charitable organization offering affordable loans to help skilled immigrants and refugees succeed in their new country. Funded by government, private sector organizations and individual donors, Windmill is Canada’s largest and most successful microlending program for new Canadians. Our vision is to ensure skilled newcomers are equitably integrated into the workforce while contributing their expertise to Canada’s economic and social success. Windmill converts newcomer potential to prosperity.
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement
and economic immigration. It helps skilled refugees immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs and gives employers access to a new pool of qualified candidates to fill job openings. Only EMPP refugee candidates are eligible for a Windmill refugee settlement loan.
If you have any questions about Windmill refugee settlement loans offered to Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) candidates, please contact us:
NOTE: If you are inquiring about applying to the Government of Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), you can contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Several NGOs support the EMPP by identifying skilled refugees abroad, and helping them access in-demand jobs.
These are the NGOs IRCC has partnered with for this:
* Settlement loans cannot be used for permanent residence application fees, Right of Permanent Residence fees, biometric fees, medical fees, exit permits, travel document fees and travel costs. Only EMPP refugee candidates are eligible for a Windmill settlement loan.
