New Canada PR Pathway to Benefit up to 6,000 Construction Workers

The Canadian Government takes action for supporting construction projects and housing with new immigration measures. In an official news release dated March 7, 2025, IRCC announced that a “strong construction and skilled trades workforce” was required for Canada to meet the housing demand.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller introduced a number of new measures targeted at supporting the construction industry. Further details are awaited as the new Advisory Council is scheduled to meet for developing the policies.

6,000 PR visa spaces will be reserved for undocumented construction workers living and working in Canada. The newly-announced measures lie within the scope of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

Previously, Canada had introduced a temporary policy in 2020 specifically for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to get permanent settlement which would help address shortages within the industry. Following multiple extensions, the policy recently expired on December 31, 2024. Around 1,365 workers and their dependents were granted Canada PR visa through the pathway. The newly-proposed regularization pathway further builds on those initial efforts.

Looking ahead, IRCC will create a Canadian permanent residence pathway for undocumented migrants in the construction industry that were already working in Canada. With an ongoing contribution to the sector, these undocumented immigrants would benefit by getting an opportunity to remain legally. With the Canada PR pathway in place for construction workers, such undocumented migrants can proceed with their work with the authorization to continue building homes in Canada.

Additionally, effective February 26, 2025, foreign apprentices in construction programs will no longer require a study permit for completing their studies in Canada. A temporary public policy, the change in apprenticeship study requirements for foreign nationals in construction will be open for the next 2 years. With this change, apprentices can more quickly acquire skills to work in infrastructure projects.

Before this change, foreign nationals needed study permits to enroll in apprenticeships. Most were not legally permitted to apply for study permits from within Canada.

According to the official news release, Canada is working on making “immigration work for our country by bringing in the skilled workers we need to help meet Canada’s housing needs while maintaining sustainable immigration volumes.”

As of now, there is no information on when the changes will be implemented. Details on the eligibility criteria for Canada’s new PR pathway for construction workers are still to be provided by the Government.

Previously, new occupations have been added for 2025 to the trades category of Express Entry category-based selection. Prioritizing immigrants in construction, the 19 trade occupations added include -

• Construction managers (NOC 70010)
• Construction estimators (NOC 22303)
• Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011)
• Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
• Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110)
• Concrete finishers (NOC 73100)

Canada is facing persistent labour shortages in the construction sector, which is hindering housing development and affordability. With an estimated need for 6 million additional homes by 2030, the country is turning to immigration to fill the gap, as domestic training efforts alone are insufficient. The announced changes aim to bring in more skilled tradespeople to meet labour market and housing demands.

Quick facts

• 23% of all general contractors and residential builders are immigrants
• Over 1,365 Canada PR visas issued through the out-of-status construction workers pathway
• Canada’s Housing Plan launched in 2024 will lead to construction of many new homes.
• The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, under the Housing Plan, supports a trades workforce for specifically addressing the housing needs in Canada.
• The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, under the Housing Plan, will streamline foreign credential recognition. Residential construction will be focused on supporting skilled foreign workers to build more homes in Canada.

Contact Kansas Overseas Careers today for expert guidance on securing your Canada PR and exploring new immigration opportunities!

•  Phone (Toll-Free): 1800-102-0109
•  Direct Call : 040 4030 7087
•  Email: info@kansaz.in
•  Get a Free Consultation