The federal department of immigration has announced a series of changes that are designed to support the construction labour force.

Minister Marc Miller announced on March 7 that his department would reserve immigration spaces for up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers, and allow qualified temporary foreign workers to study in apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit.

Details of a third measure – creating and advisory council to assess the industry’s needs and advise on new pathways to bring in skilled workers we need – were not forthcoming. The council will be made up of federal government and union representatives and industry leaders.

The announcement builds on the success of a pilot project introduced in the Greater Toronto Area in 2020, and which concluded last year. As of November 2024, approximately 1,365 permanent residents (including principal applicants and their dependants) were admitted through the out-of-status construction workers pathway.

The government says many undocumented migrants are already living and working in Canada and are contributing to the construction sector. This pathway aims keep them here legally so that they can continue to work with the proper protections.

“Canada’s construction industry is vital to support and sustain our country’s growth, and we need to bring in workers to meet the urgent need for skilled labour,” Miller said. “The measures announced today will ensure critical infrastructure projects are completed on time, support economic development and tackle labour shortages."

The government said that its plan to allow foreign apprentices to complete their studies without a study permit would take effect immediately, and would allow apprentices to gain the skills they need to contribute to infrastructure projects more quickly.

Prior to the change, foreign nationals would require study permits to register for apprenticeships. Most foreign nationals are not legally allowed to apply for study permits from within Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, immigrants account for 23% of all general contractors and residential builders.

“Building the homes Canadians need and developing the resilient economy the times demand takes a strong construction workforce,” said Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. “Today’s changes will bring more skilled trades workers to work sites across Canada, fast-track building starts, and grow our economy.

The government has not yet indicated when the changes related to permanent residency spaces or the new pathways will be implemented, nor did it provide details on eligibility criteria for the construction worker permanent residence pathway.