Canada Launches New Immigration Pathway for Construction Workers

In a bid to strengthen Canada’s construction workforce and tackle labor shortages, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller has unveiled a new immigration framework under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

The initiative aims to support infrastructure growth while providing skilled workers with stable career opportunities. Key measures include:

• Workforce Development Council: A strategic partnership between government officials, labor unions, and industry experts to identify workforce needs and enhance recruitment strategies.
• Legalization of Undocumented Workers: Offering permanent residency to 6,000 undocumented construction workers who are already contributing to the sector.
• Apprenticeship Reforms: Exempting foreign apprentices from the requirement of a study permit, enabling quicker workforce integration.

These policies align with Canada’s Housing Plan, focusing on boosting housing availability and affordability. Currently, 23% of general contractors and home builders in Canada are immigrants, playing a vital role in the industry’s growth.

Since November 2024, 1,365 individuals have secured permanent residency through similar construction worker programs. Additionally, the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and the Foreign Credential Recognition Program will help streamline training and certification processes for new workers.

This initiative reinforces Canada’s commitment to sustainable economic expansion, ensuring infrastructure projects are completed efficiently while creating fair opportunities for skilled laborers.