Canada is making it easier for construction workers to gain permanent residency and upgrade their skills. The federal government has announced new measures aimed at helping undocumented construction workers stay in Canada legally and allowing temporary foreign workers in the construction industry to enroll in training programs without needing a study permit. With a critical labor shortage in the construction sector affecting Canada’s ability to build new homes, these changes come at a crucial time. This blog post seeks to elaborate the changes that the federal government is making.
Key Immigration Changes for Construction Workers
The Canadian government has introduced two major policy updates:
Permanent Residency for Undocumented Construction Workers
Canada is reserving 6,000 permanent residency slots for construction workers already in the country but without legal status. This recognizes their contributions and provides a clear pathway to stay.
No Study Permit Required for Apprenticeship Programs
Previously, temporary foreign workers needed a study permit to enroll in apprenticeship programs—something many couldn’t apply for while in Canada. Starting March 7, 2025, they can register without a study permit, making it easier to gain trade skills.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, announced these changes in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025. The study permit exemption is already in effect, but full details on the permanent residency pathway are still pending.
Why is Canada Making These Changes?
Canada’s housing crisis and construction labor shortages are deeply connected. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that 6 million new homes must be built by 2030 to restore affordability. However, a lack of skilled workers has slowed construction.
Minister Miller acknowledged this issue, stating:
“As hard as we try, we cannot train enough skilled trades workers here in Canada.”
Immigrants already play a major role in Canada’s construction industry. 23% of all general contractors and residential builders are immigrants. With demand rising, Canada is turning to immigration to fill the gap.
Construction Industry Challenges
|
Issue |
Impact |
| Labor Shortages | Housing projects delayed, costs rising |
| Housing Crisis | Not enough affordable homes being built |
| Complex Immigration Rules | Skilled workers struggle to qualify for residency |
| Training Barriers | Study permit rules made it difficult for workers to upgrade skills |
These policy changes aim to solve these problems by making it easier for construction workers to stay, work, and train.
