Securing your future in Canada with Windmill Microlending
the If you are a skilled refugee who has secured a job offer from an employer in Canada as part of Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), Windmill Microlending can offer you a low-interest settlement loan to help you establish yourself once you arrive.
Acceptance for a Windmill refugee settlement loan* can be used to show that you meet the settlement fund requirements of economic immigration programs.
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 disbursed after you arrive in Canada and cannot be used for travel costs to Canada.
What is EMPP, and what is the use of the loan?
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 cannot be used for permanent residence application fees, Right of Permanent Residence fees, biometric fees, medical fees, exit permits, travel document fees, or travel costs to Canada. It can be used for rent, buying furniture, and other living allowance-related expenses within the first few months upon landing in Canada. Only EMPP refugee candidates outside of Canada are eligible for a Windmill settlement loan. If you are residing in Canada, you are not eligible for EMPP products.
Who is eligible for a Windmill Microlending EMPP Loan?
To be eligible for a Windmill Microlending EMPP loan, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are currently a refugee candidate who is residing outside of Canada and applying for economic immigration as part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).
- You have a confirmed letter of employment or job offer from an employer in Canada outlining the job title and remuneration.
- You have been referred by a Windmill Microlending EMPP NGO partner or have applied directly through the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) EMPP webpages.
How much can I borrow from Windmill Microlending’s EMPP Loan Program?
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, family size, and the settlement funds required under Canada’s economic immigration. The minimum loan amount that can be borrowed is $1,000, and the maximum is $15,000.
What is the interest rate for an EMPP Loan?
From October 1, 2023, all new Windmill EMPP loans are set at a fixed interest rate of 6.7% for the entire loan duration. This can be subject to change without notice. There are no other hidden or administrative fees.
How and when do I repay the Windmill Microlending EMPP loan?
From the time you receive the funds in your account, your lower monthly payments towards the interest-only payment period begin from the disbursement date for up to 6 months for all clients. After the interest-only payment period, your monthly payments will increase to start repaying your principal + interest over another 24-36 months (depending on the loan amount borrowed).
What is the process to apply for an EMPP Loan after confirming that I am eligible for the loan program?
Once you are deemed eligible for a Windmill EMPP loan, you will go through the following stages of the application process:
- Stage 1 – Pre-Arrival Stage
- Stage 2 – Post-Arrival Stage
Am I eligible if I want to work in Quebec?
The EMPP program is currently unavailable in Quebec. For support for French-speaking applicants seeking employment in other provinces, please consult the following organizations:
- Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) - https://www.talentbeyondboundaries.org/
- TalentLift - https://www.talentlift.ca/
- RefugePoint - https://www.refugepoint.org/
- Jumpstart Refugee Talent - https://jumpstartrefugee.ca/
- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) - https://www.hias.org/
- FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance - https://www.focus-canada.org/home/
What are the steps of the EMPP loan application process before I get the funds?
- You need to complete our entire application process with the support of a Windmill NGO partner and add all the requested attachments (e.g. a valid employment offer in Canada)
- You will receive an acknowledgement from our EMPP team, with the referring partner copied.
- Your application will be processed, and you will receive a pre-approval letter. This can also be used as proof of funds for when you arrive in Canada if need be.
- Upon arrival in Canada, submit your landing and banking information to enable disbursement of the funds.
- You will have a brief online meeting with a Windmill coach.
- Your funds will be disbursed once all requirements are completed.
About Windmill Microlending
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 the 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 into prosperity.
About the Government of Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
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.
Contact Windmill Microlending
If you have any questions about Windmill refugee settlement loans offered to Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) candidates, please contact us:
Email: empp@teamwindmill.org
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).
Partner NGOs
Several NGOs support the EMPP by identifying skilled refugees abroad and helping them access in-demand jobs. The NGOs IRCC has partnered with include:
- Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB)
- RefugePoint
- TalentLift
- Jumpstart Refugee Talent
- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
- FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance
Settlement loans cannot be used for permanent residence application fees, Right of Permanent Residence fees, biometric fees, medical fees, exit permits, travel document fees, or travel costs. Only EMPP refugee candidates are eligible for a Windmill settlement loan.