On March 7, 2025, the federal government announced important measures to combat Canada’s housing crisis and improve the construction and skilled trades workforce.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), presented a set of new immigration policies aimed at attracting and retaining construction skilled workers.
During a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, he stressed the importance of immigrants in resolving the nation’s labour shortages and fulfilling housing demands. These measures aim to fulfill the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan targets. They will also establish a pathway for out-of-status construction workers to regularize their status and provide support for foreign apprentices.
Major Changes to Support the Construction Sector
The announcement highlights two major changes designed to boost the construction workforce:
6000 Out of Status Construction Workers Can Get Permanent Residency in Canada
The federal government plans to reserve up to 6,000 permanent residency spaces for out-of-status construction workers living and working in Canada. These individuals, who have been contributing to the construction sector, will now have a pathway to gain legal status.
This initiative builds on the success of a previous pilot program in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which helped over 1,365 out-of-status workers and their families obtain permanent residency between 2020 and 2024.
Study Permit Exemption for Temporary Foreign Workers
Effective immediately, qualified temporary foreign workers will no longer need a study permit to enroll in apprenticeship programs. This will help foreign apprentices to gain the skills to contribute to Canada’s infrastructure projects more quickly.
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Advisory Council to Guide Policy Development
A tripartite advisory council will be created comprising representatives from the federal government, labour unions, and industry employers. It will assess labour market demands and provide recommendations on wage thresholds, worker protections, and the number of foreign workers required to meet long-term goals. The council is expected to hold its first meeting as early as next week.
Addressing Labour Shortages and Housing Needs
Canada’s construction industry is struggling with a worker shortage. This issue is slowing down the building of new homes and making it harder to fix the housing affordability crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says Canada needs to build 6 million more homes by 2030 to improve housing affordability.
Immigrants already play a big role in the construction industry, with Statistics Canada estimating that 23% of general contractors and residential builders are newcomers. However, Minister Miller acknowledged that current immigration pathways have not been sufficient to meet the sector’s growing demands.
Recent Changes to Express Entry System
The new measures complement recent updates to Canada’s Express Entry system, which now prioritizes skilled tradespeople. On February 27, 2025, IRCC added 19 new occupations to the trade occupations category, including construction managers, bricklayers, roofers, and painters. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to welcoming workers who can contribute to the construction sector and help alleviate the housing crisis.
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If you’re a skilled worker in the construction sector or an employer looking to navigate these new immigration pathways, Elaar Immigration is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements and take full advantage of these opportunities. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you build your future in Canada.
