Canada’s immigration department has unveiled significant changes aimed at boosting the construction industry, addressing persistent labor shortages, and enhancing housing supply.
Key Updates
- 6,000 Immigration Spots for Undocumented Workers: The government will reserve spaces for up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers already in Canada to gain permanent residency.
- Study Permit Exemption for Apprentices: Qualified temporary foreign workers can now enroll in apprenticeship programs without needing a study permit.
These changes were announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller during a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025. Miller emphasized that from this date forward, foreign workers registering as apprentices can study without a permit, a shift from the previous requirement that most foreign nationals apply for study permits from outside Canada.
While no specific timeline or eligibility details for the permanent residency pathway have been released, Miller assured that updates will follow soon.
Creation of a Construction Advisory Council
Miller also introduced a new advisory council to shape federal policy for the construction sector. This council, comprising government officials, union representatives, and industry leaders, will provide insights on prevailing wages and help determine the number of foreign construction workers needed.
He indicated that up to 14,000 foreign construction workers may be admitted to Canada, though he did not specify whether this would be through temporary or permanent pathways.
Addressing Labor Shortages in Construction
Canada has long struggled with labor shortages in construction, worsened by the country’s housing supply crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that an additional 6 million homes must be built by 2030 to restore housing affordability, highlighting the need for skilled workers.
Miller acknowledged the country’s limited capacity to train enough skilled tradespeople domestically, stating, “…as hard as we try, we cannot train them here in Canada.” According to Statistics Canada, immigrants already make up 23% of general contractors and residential builders.
Express Entry Changes for Trades Workers
To further address the labor gap, IRCC updated the Express Entry system on February 27, 2025, prioritizing trade occupations for permanent residency invitations. Nineteen new occupations were added, including:
- Construction managers
- Construction estimators
- Bricklayers
- Roofers and shinglers
- Floor covering installers
- Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
These updates aim to attract a broader range of skilled workers to support Canada’s infrastructure goals.
Renewed Support for Out-of-Status Workers
The new pathway for undocumented construction workers builds on a temporary public policy introduced in January 2020. This initiative allowed out-of-status workers in the Greater Toronto Area to apply for permanent residency, resulting in approximately 1,365 workers and their families gaining status by November 2024.
Immigration and Housing Policy Adjustments
Housing affordability remains a key driver of immigration policy. In the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the government announced plans to reduce overall immigration levels especially for temporary residents to ease pressure on housing. This reduction is expected to free up around 670,000 housing units.
Additionally, the creation of the “In-Canada Focus” category within the immigration system prioritizes applicants with Canadian work experience, aiming to meet residency targets without adding to housing demand.
Moving Forward
Canada’s strategic immigration adjustments reflect the country’s effort to balance labor market needs with housing challenges. As policies evolve, these changes could pave the way for a more sustainable construction industry and a more stable housing market.
Stay tuned for more updates as details emerge about eligibility requirements and implementation timelines for these new pathways.
