Canada Launches New Pathway to Permanent Residence for Construction Workers
The Canadian government has unveiled new measures to support the country’s construction sector, addressing a critical labor shortage and strengthening the path for foreign workers in the industry to gain permanent residency.
In an announcement made on March 7, 2025, during a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), revealed major changes designed to benefit both foreign construction workers already in Canada and those seeking to enter the workforce.
Key Changes for Construction Workers
The government has introduced the following key changes to enhance immigration pathways for construction workers:
- Reservation of Immigration Spaces for Construction Workers
Canada will reserve up to 6,000 immigration spaces specifically for construction workers. This measure is aimed at ensuring that skilled labor can fill critical gaps in the construction industry, which has been facing a shortage of workers. - Exemption from Study Permit for Apprenticeship Programs
Foreign nationals currently working in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be allowed to enroll in apprenticeship programs without needing to apply for a study permit. This move is expected to support the development of skilled trades professionals, improving their qualifications while contributing to the Canadian economy.
However, the government has not yet provided a timeline for when these changes will take effect, nor have they disclosed detailed eligibility criteria for the new permanent residence pathway specifically for construction workers.
Establishment of an Advisory Council
In addition to the new pathways, Minister Miller announced the creation of an advisory council to provide guidance on policies affecting the construction industry. This council will consist of representatives from government, labor unions, and industry employers. The council will begin meeting as early as next week to provide input on issues such as prevailing wages and the overall number of foreign national construction workers that Canada will admit.
Minister Miller emphasized that the advisory council’s work would play a crucial role in shaping the future of Canada’s construction industry, ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing its needs.
The government has also indicated that up to 14,000 foreign national construction workers could be admitted to Canada in the coming years. However, the details of how many will be offered permanent or temporary pathways remain unclear at this stage.
Expanding Trade Occupations Under Express Entry
This new announcement follows a significant shift in the Express Entry system announced by IRCC on February 27, 2025. As part of these changes, the government has designated trade occupations as a priority for invitations to apply (ITAs) under the Express Entry program. This move directly aims to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s construction sector.
In particular, 19 new occupations were added to the trade category, including a number of construction-related professions. The expanded list now includes:
- Construction Managers
- Construction Estimators
- Bricklayers
- Roofers and Shinglers
- Floor Covering Installers
- Painters and Decorators (excluding interior decorators)
The expansion of the trade category under Express Entry is expected to bring a surge in skilled construction workers to meet growing demands across Canada. Candidates in these trades may now have better opportunities for securing permanent residency.
For a complete list of all the newly added occupations eligible under Express Entry’s trade category, visit IRCC’s dedicated webpage.
Addressing Housing Supply and Immigration Levels
The announcement of these new pathways for construction workers comes amid ongoing concerns about Canada’s housing shortage. The government has been grappling with how to balance immigration levels with housing capacity, especially in the context of increasing demand for housing from both new immigrants and growing populations.
In response, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller referred to the need for better housing solutions when they introduced the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. One significant strategy in this plan is the reduction of immigration levels for both permanent residents and temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
Minister Miller has speculated that by reducing the number of temporary residents, an additional 670,000 housing units could be freed up in the Canadian housing market, addressing some of the nation’s housing challenges without requiring additional investment. This strategy aims to strike a balance between welcoming new immigrants and managing housing pressures.
Introduction of the “In-Canada Focus” Immigration Category
As part of these housing-focused changes, IRCC has established an “In-Canada Focus” category within its federal immigration allocation. This category prioritizes candidates who are already in Canada and have Canadian work experience, allowing them to apply for permanent residence without adding further strain to the housing market.
The government has set a target to land 82,890 new permanent residents through the “In-Canada Focus” pathway in 2025. By focusing on applicants already residing in the country, this approach aims to help Canada meet its immigration targets while minimizing the impact on the housing market.
Looking Ahead
The Canadian government’s recent announcements signal a strong commitment to meeting the needs of the construction industry and supporting skilled workers, both from within Canada and abroad. The introduction of a dedicated pathway for construction workers, the expansion of trade occupations under Express Entry, and measures to alleviate housing concerns represent a proactive approach to addressing Canada’s labor shortages while maintaining a balanced immigration system.
As the government moves forward with these changes, further updates will be shared on how the new pathways will operate and how foreign nationals can apply for permanent residence under these new measures. Stay tuned for more developments as additional details emerge.
