New Immigration Measures for Construction Workers and Apprentices in Canada

Canada has long relied on a strong construction workforce to support its growth. With the current housing crisis and evolving labor market, the government has introduced several policies to support construction workers, including pathways for out-of-status workers and foreign apprentices. Here's an overview of the latest immigration measures and their impact.

New Pathway Is Coming for Out-of-Status Construction Workers

Based on March 7, 2025 IRCC announcement “Canada takes action to support housing with new immigration measures”, Canada is launching a new pathway for out-of-status construction workers. This policy is unique and somewhat controversial, but it's not the first of its kind. In July 2019, the Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) was introduced for the first time. It was later expanded in 2021 and 2023, with the latest public policy having closed on December 31, 2024.

The details of eligibility and the specific application process are expected to be released soon. Assuming this new pathway follows the principles of previous temporary public policies, it will likely cover many occupations under NOC 2021 major groups 72, 73, and 75.

Supporters argue that the policy addresses labor shortages in construction and helps protect workers from exploitation; but on the other hand, critics worry it could encourage more people to stay in the country without legal status and make it easier for employers to hire undocumented workers. One way or another, Canada needs construction workers. If you are working without proper status in construction, this could be a great opportunity for you to gain permanent residency in Canada.

Temporary Policy for Foreign Apprentices

At the same time, a two-year public policy allowing certain apprentices to study without a study permit took effect on February 26 and will remain in place until 2027. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria when requesting your exemption and continue to do so until a decision is made:

1. You have a valid work permit.

2. You have a job in an eligible construction occupation.

3. You have an apprenticeship agreement registered with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.

So far, the list includes 22 NOCs across TEERs 0, 1, 2, and 3. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes categorize different occupations, and below are the complete list eligible under the two-year policy for foreign apprentices:

Eligible occupations in TEER 0

1. NOC 70010 – Construction managers

2. NOC 70011 – Home building and renovation managers

Eligible occupations in TEER 1

3. NOC 21300 – Civil engineers

Eligible occupations in TEER 2

4. NOC 22300 – Civil engineering technologists and technicians

5. NOC 22303 – Construction estimators

6. NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers

7. NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators

8. NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)

9. NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians

10. NOC 72300 – Plumbers

11. NOC 72310 – Carpenters

12. NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers

13. NOC 72320 – Bricklayers

14. NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

15. NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

16. NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

17. NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics

18. NOC 72501 – Water well drillers

Eligible occupations in TEER 3

19. NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers

20. NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers

21. NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

22. NOC 73113 – Floor covering installers

For detailed duties, you can find them on the IRCC website.

Existing Permanent Residency Pathways for Construction Workers

Under the existing PR pathways, many construction trade occupations have been eligible for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Trade program. Moreover, trades not only fall under the Federal Economic Priorities categories in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, but according to the IRCC announcement on February 27, many tradespeople, such as carpenters and plumbers, will have more opportunities to be invited to apply for permanent residency through category-based draws.

These policies signal Canada's commitment to addressing construction labor shortages and supporting skilled tradespeople.

If you need expert guidance on your eligibility and application, don’t hesitate to contact us today or book a consultation to get started!

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