Canada’s continued economic success and growth depend on a strong and skilled workforce. Immigration plays a crucial role in meeting labour demands, particularly in the construction and skilled trades sectors, which are essential for addressing the country’s housing needs.
Recognizing the critical need for skilled workers in the construction industry, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has announced new immigration measures aimed at supporting Canada’s construction industry.
As Canada confronts its housing shortages, having a strong construction and skilled trades workforce are pivotal to overcoming these challenges and immigrants play a pivotal role in supporing these needs.
Key Measures to Support the Construction Industry
1. Tripartite Advisory Council to Address Industry Needs
To address labour shortages effectively, Canada will establish a tripartite advisory council comprising federal government representatives, unions, and industry leaders. This council will assess the needs of the construction industry and provide guidance on potential immigration pathways for skilled workers. The objective is to develop sustainable and fair policies that provide strong labour protections and competitive wages while ensuring long-term retention of construction workers.
2. Pathway for Undocumented Construction Workers
Building on the success of the pilot program in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada intends to create a regularization pathway for undocumented construction workers. Many of these individuals have already been living and working in the country, playing a vital role in the housing sector. By providing them with legal status, Canada ensures they can continue contributing to the economy with proper worker protections.
3. Support for Foreign Apprentices in Construction Programs
Effective February 26, 2025, foreign apprentices in eligible construction trades will be permitted to complete their apprenticeship study requirements without needing a study permit. This temporary two-year measure will remove bureaucratic barriers, allowing apprentices to gain critical skills and contribute more quickly to ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
Who Qualifies for the Apprenticeship Study Exemption?
To be eligible under this public policy, applicants must meet all of the following criteria when requesting an exemption and once a decision has been made:
- Have a valid work permit.
- Hold a job in an eligible construction occupation.
- Have an apprenticeship agreement registered with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.
Eligible Construction Occupations for the Apprenticeship Study Exemption
Apprentices working in eligible construction trades under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories may qualify for this exemption.
The eligible occupations include:
Eligible occupations in TEER 0
- NOC 70010 – Construction managers
- NOC 70011 – Home building and renovation managers
Eligible occupations in TEER 1
- NOC 21300 – Civil engineers
Eligible occupations in TEER 2
- NOC 22300 – Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- NOC 22303 – Construction estimators
- NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
- NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
- NOC 72300 – Plumbers
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters
- NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
- NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
- NOC 72501 – Water well drillers
Eligible occupations in TEER 3
- NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
- NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- NOC 73113 – Floor covering installers
With these new measures, Canada is taking decisive action to strengthen the housing sector by ensuring a skilled and stable workforce. As more details emerge from the advisory council’s recommendations, these initiatives will help build a sustainable future and curtail Canada’s growing housing shortage amids new uncertainties.
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our experienced immigration consultants to explore your eligibility and application options.
Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements and helping you secure your future in Canada’s construction industry.
Contact us today to book your consultation and take the next step toward stability and success!
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
