To address the rising demand for construction workers amid ongoing housing shortages, the Honourable Marc Miller, announced new immigration pathways on March 7, 2025. These programs aim to attract foreign construction apprentices and provide a legal route for out-of-status construction workers to gain permanent residency.
Immigration to Support Labour Market Needs
This initiative is part of Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, highlighting the urgent need for skilled workers. By implementing these pathways, Canada seeks to strengthen the construction workforce while offering eligible applicants a straightforward route to permanent residency. The program is designed to provide stability for workers and ensure a steady supply of labour in the industry.
Previous Success with Construction Worker Pathways
Canada has already seen positive results from similar programs. As of November 2024, around 1,365 individuals, including principal applicants and their families, have obtained permanent residency through the out-of-status construction workers pathway. This success demonstrates the accessibility and effectiveness of these initiatives in helping workers secure legal status.
New Immigration Opportunities for Construction Workers
The newly announced pathways are designed for:
- Foreign construction apprentices looking to gain hands-on experience in Canada.
- Out-of-status construction workers who have been working in Canada without valid documentation.
- Undocumented construction workers who now have an opportunity to apply for permanent residency and secure legal employment status.
By regularizing undocumented workers, the government aims to fill labour shortages while ensuring fair treatment and job security for those already contributing to the industry.
Temporary Measure for Construction Apprentices
A key feature of the announcement is a temporary measure allowing foreign construction apprentices to complete their training in Canada without requiring a study permit. This policy, effective March 7, 2025, will help apprentices gain essential skills faster, enabling them to enter the workforce more quickly and support Canada’s construction projects.
Establishment of a Tripartite Advisory Council
To oversee and implement these programs effectively, IRCC is forming a tripartite advisory council. This group will include representatives from the private sector, labour unions, and government agencies. The council’s role will be to:
- Analyze labour market demands in the construction industry.
- Develop effective immigration pathways that attract skilled workers.
- Ensure fair wages and protection against worker exploitation.
- Create long-term strategies to retain skilled construction workers in Canada.
By bringing together industry experts and policymakers, the council will help shape a sustainable immigration plan that benefits both workers and the Canadian economy.
The Need for Skilled Construction Workers
Canada’s construction industry is facing a significant labour shortage. Statistics Canada reports that job vacancies in construction increased by 80% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels. With the country struggling to keep up with housing and infrastructure demands, skilled immigrants are essential in addressing workforce gaps.
Studies also show that immigrants make critical contributions across various sectors of the economy. Their continued involvement will be key in maintaining economic stability and fulfilling labour demands across different regions and industries.
Conlclusion
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, further details on these new construction worker pathways will be released. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to economic growth and making Canada an attractive destination for skilled workers.
For construction workers interested in Canadian permanent residency, this is a great opportunity to secure their future. Stay informed about new updates by subscribing to our newsletter.
