In a significant move to address the acute labor shortages in its construction sector, the Canadian government has unveiled a series of groundbreaking immigration reforms.
On March 7, 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a new permanent residency pathway specifically designed for construction workers, alongside other key initiatives aimed at bolstering the industry.
New Permanent Residency Pathway for Construction Workers
The most notable announcement is the creation of a specialized permanent residency pathway for construction workers. This initiative includes reserving up to 6,000 permanent residency spots for undocumented construction workers already in Canada.
The move is part of a broader strategy to tackle the country’s housing crisis and alleviate labor shortages in the construction sector, which currently faces a deficit of approximately 64,000 jobs.
Additionally, Minister Miller hinted at the possibility of admitting up to 14,000 foreign construction workers, though details on whether these will be permanent or temporary pathways remain unclear.
Study Without Permits for Apprentices
In another significant development, the government has introduced a study permit exemption for temporary foreign workers enrolled in construction trade apprenticeships.
Effective immediately, qualified workers can now pursue apprenticeships without needing a study permit, provided they hold a valid work permit, have a job offer in an eligible construction occupation, and an apprenticeship agreement registered with a provincial or territorial authority.
This policy change aims to streamline the process for foreign workers to gain necessary qualifications, facilitating their integration into the Canadian workforce and addressing the looming labor gap in the construction sector.
Advisory Council and Housing Crisis
To further address industry challenges, the government has established an advisory council comprising representatives from the government, unions, and industry employers. This council will provide recommendations on key issues such as prevailing wages and the number of foreign construction workers needed.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that Canada needs to build an additional six million homes by 2030 to restore affordability, underscoring the urgency of these reforms.
Express Entry Updates
In related news, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the Express Entry system to prioritize skilled trades, including carpenters and contractors, as part of its broader strategy to address labor shortages in critical sectors.
These announcements reflect Canada’s commitment to leveraging immigration to support economic growth and alleviate sector-specific labor shortages, while also enhancing the country’s linguistic diversity and addressing demographic challenges.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, these reforms are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the construction sector and contributing to the country’s economic vitality.
