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By Vikrant Singh, March 10, 2025
In a significant move to address labour shortages in the construction sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major policy changes aimed at supporting the industry's growth and sustainability.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
New PR Pathway for Undocumented Workers
The federal government will reserve immigration spaces for up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers currently residing in Canada, offering them a new pathway to permanent residency.
Permit-Free Study for Apprenticeships
Qualified temporary foreign workers will now be allowed to study in apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit. This change, effective March 7, 2025, eliminates a significant barrier that previously restricted foreign nationals from pursuing apprenticeships in Canada.
Government's Strategy and Next Steps
During a press conference held in Woodbridge, Ontario, Minister of Immigration Marc Miller emphasized the necessity of these measures. "As hard as we try, we cannot train enough skilled trades and construction workers domestically," Miller stated.
While exact implementation timelines and eligibility criteria for the new PR pathway are yet to be disclosed, Miller confirmed that further details will be released in the coming months.
Additionally, Miller announced the formation of an advisory council comprising representatives from government, industry unions, and employers. This council will provide input on prevailing wages and the number of foreign national construction workers Canada will admit, aiming to streamline policies supporting the sector.
Why These Changes Are Necessary
Canada's construction sector has long grappled with labour shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing housing supply crisis. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an additional 6 million homes need to be built by 2030 to restore housing affordability.
Statistics Canada reports that immigrants make up 23% of general contractors and residential builders, underlining their vital contribution to the sector. These policy changes are designed to ensure that Canada continues to attract and retain skilled workers crucial to addressing the housing crisis.
Expansion of Trades Categories Under Express Entry
These announcements follow recent adjustments to the Express Entry system on February 27, 2025, which prioritized trades occupations for permanent residence. Nineteen new occupations, including construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, floor installers, and painters, were added to the eligible categories, enhancing opportunities for skilled tradespeople.
Addressing Out-of-Status Construction Workers
The new regularisation pathway builds on previous measures introduced in January 2020 for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This program, which expired on December 31, 2024, resulted in over 1,365 workers and their dependants gaining permanent residence.
Context within Canada's Immigration Levels Plan
The changes come amidst broader reforms under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which seeks to balance Canada's economic needs with its housing challenges. The government has reduced its immigration levels to alleviate housing pressures, while initiatives like the new construction pathways ensure critical sectors are supported.
Miller emphasized that these changes are pivotal to ensuring Canada meets its infrastructure and housing targets without compromising on the quality of life for Canadians and newcomers.
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