Canada is taking immediate steps to strengthen its immigration system to support the construction industry.
The government will introduce new measures under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to address labour shortages, regularize undocumented workers, and facilitate foreign apprenticeships.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Canada’s new immigration measures for construction workers
- The role of the tripartite advisory council
- Pathway for undocumented workers in construction
- Study permit exemption for foreign apprentices
- How these changes impact Canada’s housing sector
New Advisory Council to Address Labour Needs
The government is establishing a tripartite advisory council to identify labour gaps in the construction sector. This council will include representatives from the federal government, industry leaders, and unions. It will assess the workforce needs and recommend pathways to bring in and retain skilled construction workers while ensuring fair wages and strong worker protections.
“The measures announced today will ensure critical infrastructure projects are completed on time, support economic development, and tackle labour shortages,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. “Canada’s construction industry is vital to support and sustain our country’s growth, and we need to bring in workers to meet the urgent need for skilled labour.”
Pathway for Undocumented Construction Workers
Canada will create a new pathway to regularize out-of-status construction workers. Building on the success of the Greater Toronto Area pilot program, this initiative will provide legal status to undocumented migrants already contributing to the construction industry. By allowing these workers to stay and work legally, the government aims to support the construction of much-needed housing and infrastructure while ensuring proper workplace protections.
As of November 2024, approximately 1,365 permanent residents, including principal applicants and their dependents, have been admitted through the out-of-status construction workers pathway. This initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness in stabilizing the workforce and ensuring that skilled tradespeople remain in Canada.
Removing Study Permit Requirement for Foreign Apprentices
Effective immediately, foreign apprentices in construction programs can complete their studies in Canada without requiring a study permit. This temporary measure will streamline the process for skilled tradespeople to gain the necessary training and contribute to infrastructure projects more efficiently.
Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “Building the homes Canadians need and developing the resilient economy the times demand takes a strong construction workforce. Today’s changes will bring more skilled trades workers to work sites across Canada, fast-track building starts, and grow our economy.”
A Step Towards Solving Canada’s Housing Crisis
These immigration measures align with Canada’s broader housing strategy, which seeks to unlock millions of new homes. The government’s initiatives, including the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, aim to expand the skilled trades workforce and accelerate housing development across the country.
Immigrants already play a crucial role in Canada’s construction industry. According to Statistics Canada, they account for 23% of all general contractors and residential builders. By creating new pathways for foreign apprentices and undocumented workers, the government is ensuring that immigration continues to be a driving force in the country’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
FAQ
What is Canada doing to support the construction industry through immigration?
Canada is introducing new immigration measures, including a pathway for undocumented construction workers, a tripartite advisory council to assess labour needs, and a study permit exemption for foreign apprentices.
What is the tripartite advisory council?
The advisory council is a collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and unions. It will assess labour shortages and recommend policies to bring in skilled construction workers while ensuring fair wages and worker protections.
How will undocumented construction workers benefit from these changes?
Undocumented construction workers already in Canada will have access to a pathway to regularization, allowing them to stay and work legally while contributing to housing and infrastructure projects.
Why is Canada removing the study permit requirement for foreign apprentices?
This temporary measure will allow foreign apprentices in construction programs to complete their studies without a study permit, helping them enter the workforce more quickly and address labour shortages.
How do these changes fit into Canada’s housing strategy?
These immigration measures align with Canada’s plan to tackle the housing crisis by expanding the skilled trades workforce, increasing home construction, and making housing more accessible to Canadians.
