Waterloo, Ontario – In a significant move to bolster its construction sector and address critical labor shortages, the Canadian government has announced a new permanent residency pathway specifically for undocumented construction workers. This initiative, unveiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Mark Miller on March 7, 2025, in Woodbridge, Ontario, aims to provide a route to legal status for thousands of individuals who have been contributing to Canada’s economy without formal documentation.
The announcement comes at a crucial time, as Canada grapples with a severe housing crisis and a pressing need for skilled tradespeople. The government’s strategy also includes the removal of study permit requirements for temporary foreign workers seeking apprenticeships, and the establishment of an advisory council to steer federal policies related to the construction industry.
Pathway to Permanent Residency for Undocumented Workers
A cornerstone of the new policy is the allocation of up to 6,000 immigration spaces for undocumented construction workers currently residing and employed in Canada. This measure seeks to regularize the status of those who have faced barriers due to previous immigration policy gaps or employer-related issues. While specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and timelines are yet to be released, this initiative builds upon past efforts to integrate undocumented workers, particularly within the construction sector.
Easing Apprenticeship Requirements
Effective immediately, temporary foreign workers seeking to enroll in apprenticeship programs in Canada will no longer be required to obtain a study permit. This change aims to eliminate administrative hurdles that previously hindered skilled workers from pursuing further training while employed. By removing the necessity for study permits, which were often difficult to acquire from within Canada, the government hopes to facilitate skill enhancement and career advancement within the construction industry.
Advisory Council and Foreign Worker Intake
To further support the construction sector, Minister Miller announced the formation of a new advisory council comprising representatives from the federal government, labor unions, and construction industry employers. This council will address key issues such as prevailing wages and the appropriate intake of foreign construction workers through both temporary and permanent pathways. Minister Miller indicated that up to 14,000 foreign nationals may be admitted to the construction sector, though details regarding the specific immigration streams remain forthcoming.
Addressing Labor Shortages and Housing Crisis
The impetus for these changes stems from Canada’s acute labor shortages in the construction industry, compounded by the ongoing housing crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates a need for six million additional homes by 2030 to restore housing affordability. However, the current skilled labor force is insufficient to meet this demand.
Statistics Canada reports that immigrants constitute a significant portion of the construction workforce, highlighting the sector’s reliance on foreign talent. Minister Miller acknowledged the nation’s difficulty in producing an adequate number of skilled tradespeople domestically, emphasizing the necessity for targeted immigration pathways.
Express Entry Enhancements and Previous Initiatives
Recent modifications to the Express Entry system, implemented on February 27, 2025, have also prioritized skilled trades occupations, designating them as a priority category and adding 19 new occupations to the skilled trades category. These changes aim to streamline the path to permanent residency for construction workers.
The new regularization pathway builds on the 2020 temporary public policy for Greater Toronto Area (GTA) construction workers, which provided a route to permanent residency for out-of-status individuals. This program, which concluded on December 31, 2024, facilitated the permanent residency of approximately 1,365 undocumented workers and their families.
Immigration Levels Plan and Housing Concerns
Canada’s 2025-2027 immigration levels plan reflects concerns regarding housing supply. In November 2024, the government reduced immigration targets for both permanent and temporary residents, aiming to alleviate pressure on housing availability. An “in-Canada” focused category was introduced to prioritize candidates already residing and working in Canada, with 82,890 new immigrants expected to obtain permanent residency through this stream in 2025.
As this story develops, further details regarding the new permanent residency pathway and related initiatives will be released. Interested individuals are encouraged to stay informed through our website for updates and consult with our immigration professionals.
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