Canada is making significant strides to address its critical construction industry labour shortages with newly introduced immigration pathways. On March 7, 2025, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced key changes aimed at supporting the industry by creating a pathway to permanent residency for construction workers and making it easier for foreign workers to gain the skills they need to contribute to the workforce.
Key Changes for Canada’s Construction Workers
The government’s recent announcement includes two significant changes:
1.Permanent Residency Spaces for Undocumented Construction Workers: Up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers already living in Canada will be eligible for permanent residency.
2.Apprenticeship Opportunities for Foreign Workers Without a Study Permit: Qualified temporary foreign workers will be able to enroll in apprenticeship programs without the need for a study permit, effective March 7, 2025. This change simplifies the process for foreign workers to upgrade their skills and contribute to Canada’s growing construction sector.
These changes represent a major step toward addressing the labour shortages that have plagued Canada’s construction industry, particularly amid the country’s housing crisis.
New Council to Inform Construction Policies
In addition to the new immigration pathways, the federal government announced the creation of a construction advisory council. This council will include representatives from the government, unions, and industry employers and will provide guidance on policies related to wages and the number of foreign construction workers admitted into Canada.
Up to 14,000 foreign construction workers may be admitted under new or existing pathways, although specific details have not yet been clarified by IRCC.
Why These Changes Are Necessary
Canada is currently facing a dual challenge: a persistent shortage of construction workers and an urgent need for more housing. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that the country will need to build 6 million homes by 2030 to restore housing affordability, a target that cannot be achieved without a steady supply of skilled construction workers.
As a result, Canada has increasingly turned to immigration to help fill the gap. Currently, immigrants make up 23% of the construction workforce, including general contractors and residential builders. Despite the country’s best efforts to train workers domestically, there simply aren’t enough skilled tradespeople to meet the growing demand.
Marc Miller emphasized this during his recent press conference, stating, “As hard as we try, we cannot train enough skilled trades and construction workers here in Canada.” The newly announced changes reflect a clear commitment to resolving this issue by welcoming more foreign workers into the sector.
Canada’s latest initiatives to address labour shortages in the construction industry highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to solving the housing crisis. With new pathways for permanent residency and more accessible training opportunities for foreign workers, the country is setting itself up to meet its housing goals and strengthen the construction sector.
For construction workers, these changes open up exciting opportunities for permanent residency and skills development. If you’re looking to take advantage of these new immigration options, Kingsbridge Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.