Canada opens more opportunities for undocumented, foreign construction workers

Canada’s immigration department has announced the reservation of 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers while also allowing qualified temporary foreign workers to join apprenticeship programs without needing a study permit.

Speaking at a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed that, effective immediately, foreign workers registering for apprenticeships can study without requiring a separate permit. Previously, study permits were mandatory for such training.

Miller also revealed plans to establish an advisory council to help shape federal construction policies, including discussions on wages and worker intake.

The minister hinted that up to 14,000 foreign construction workers could be admitted into the country but did not clarify whether they would enter through permanent or temporary immigration pathways.

Canada is increasingly relying on immigration to address ongoing labour shortages in the construction industry, which have contributed to the country’s housing crisis. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, an additional six million homes must be built by 2030 to restore affordability.

Acknowledging the shortage of skilled labour, Miller stated, “…as hard as we try, we cannot train them [skilled trades and construction workers] here in Canada.”

To further address the gap, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently expanded the Express Entry system on February 27, adding 19 new priority occupations in the trades sector.

These include construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, floor covering installers, and painters.