Maple News reports that Canada has introduced significant updates to its immigration policy aimed at bolstering the national construction workforce. The changes, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on March 7, 2025, from Woodbridge, Ontario, include a new pathway to permanent residence for undocumented construction workers and a game-changing shift in study permit requirements for certain foreign workers.
The federal government will reserve up to 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers in Canada to apply for permanent residency. This move aligns with the country’s growing demand for skilled labor in housing and infrastructure and is viewed as an effort to stabilize a sector facing acute labor shortages.
In parallel, eligible temporary foreign workers holding valid work permits will be allowed to enroll in construction apprenticeship programs without needing a separate study permit. This marks a departure from previous rules, where foreign workers typically had to apply for a study permit—an often difficult and lengthy process, especially from within Canada.
While the exact launch date of the permanent residency pathway and the full eligibility requirements are yet to be disclosed, Marc Miller confirmed that the new study permit exemption is effective immediately as of March 7, 2025. According to IRCC, this exemption covers construction-related apprenticeships, thereby streamlining the upskilling process for foreign workers already active in the industry.
To guide the implementation of these changes, the federal government is establishing a new advisory council featuring representatives from labor unions, private industry, and all levels of government. The council will provide insight into wage standards and recommend the optimal number of foreign construction workers to admit to Canada annually.
Minister Miller also mentioned that Canada could admit as many as 14,000 foreign construction workers through various immigration streams, although it has not been confirmed whether these would be temporary or permanent pathways.
These measures reflect Canada’s broader strategy to address labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades like construction. With affordability and housing development becoming key national priorities, facilitating pathways for workers who are already contributing to the Canadian economy is seen as a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as more details emerge about the permanent residency program and the advisory council’s recommendations.