1. 📥 Pathway to PR for Construction Workers
On March 7, 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a new pathway to permanent residence targeting construction workers currently in Canada—especially those undocumented. Up to 6,000 PR spots are reserved for undocumented construction workers, and a total of 14,000 foreign workers may be admitted through various pathways. This move builds on a successful GTA pilot that granted PR to approximately 1,365 out-of-status workers as of late 2024
An advisory council—including federal officials, unions, and industry leaders—is being established to define wages, assess labour needs, and guide intake numbers
2. 🎓 Study Permit Exemption for Apprentices
Effective March 7, 2025, temporary foreign workers in construction can now enroll in apprenticeship training without needing a separate study permit. Eligible individuals must:
- – Hold a valid work permit,
- – Have a job offer in designated construction trades,
- – Be under a registered apprenticeship agreement .
This exemption is temporary, running from February 26, 2025, through February 26, 2027, and applies specifically to 22 in-demand trades such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, welders, and construction managers .
3. 🧰 Express Entry Prioritizes Trades
As of February 27, 2025, IRCC modified the Express Entry system to prioritize trade occupations. Nineteen construction-related job titles—ranging from estimators to roofers—were added to the Federal Skilled Trades Program category. Candidates with these skills are now more likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
4. 🏘️ Policy Rationale: Addressing Housing & Labour Gaps
Canada is facing both a housing supply crisis and chronic worker shortages in construction. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates a need for 6 million new homes by 2030. However, domestic training alone isn’t meeting demand. Immigrants already fill 23 % of construction roles; yet more workers are needed.
New pathways aim to simultaneously:
- – Alleviate labour shortages,
- – Support housing development,
- – Prevent wage suppression,
- – Offer legal rights to previously undocumented workers .
5. ✅ Key Eligibility & Next Steps
For undocumented workers:
- – Must be working in eligible construction roles within Canada.
- – Criteria include industry experience, contribution, and compliance with future program details (still pending).
For apprentices:
- – Hold a valid work permit, job offer, and registered apprenticeship.
- – Enroll in eligible trades listed by NOC codes.
Express Entry candidates:
- – Ensure profiles are updated to reflect trade experience.
- – Eligible occupations now receive higher priority in category-based draws .
6. 🌟 Potential Benefits & Community Reactions
Benefits:
- – Stable legal status and access to healthcare, services, and fair wages.
- – Helps complete housing projects and assists labour-short sectors.
- – Integrates apprentices faster via on-site training.
Reactions:
- – Some support the inclusion of undocumented workers already contributing to critical infrastructure .
- – Others raise concerns about fairness, labor competition, and the risk of wage suppression .
- – Effectiveness depends on strong LMIA processes and wage protections .
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 policy shift offers a tailored strategy to solve both housing and construction labour shortages:
- – Reserved PR spots for 6,000 undocumented construction workers.
- – Apprenticeship study permit exemptions through 2027.
- – Express Entry prioritization for skilled trades.
- – Creation of a tripartite advisory council to oversee implementation and protections.
For workers and employers in construction, staying informed about eligibility, program updates, and regulatory changes is essential. These developments provide a hopeful outlook for skilled tradespeople seeking legal status and career advancement in Canada.
