On March 7, 2025, Canada introduced a temporary public policy allowing apprentices in eligible construction trades to study without a study permit. Effective from February 26, 2025, this policy will be in place for two years, expiring on February 26, 2027.
Eligible Occupations
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Bricklayers | 72320 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 |
| Construction managers | 70010 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
How to Submit Your Application
To benefit from this exemption, eligible apprentices must follow these steps:
Gather Required Documents:
- – Proof of a valid work permit.
- – Proof of employment in an eligible construction occupation.
- – A registered apprenticeship agreement with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.
Submit a Web Form Request:
- – Access the IRCC web form.
- – Select “Update or ask about your application” and then “Add a document to your application.”
- – Provide personal information, including your work permit number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
- – In the explanation box, include “Apprenticeship 25-27” to identify your request as part of this study permit exemption.
- – Upload the required documents as attachments.
Detailed instructions on the application process are available on the official Government of Canada website.
Reasons for the Updates
Canada’s construction industry is experiencing significant labor shortages, exacerbated by an aging workforce and increasing housing demands. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that an additional 3.5 million homes are needed by 2030 to address affordability and supply issues. By allowing apprentices to study without a study permit, Canada aims to expedite the training and integration of skilled workers into the construction sector, thereby addressing the labor gap and supporting infrastructure development.
By removing administrative barriers for foreign apprentices, Canada aims to expedite the integration of skilled workers into the construction industry, thereby enhancing the sector’s capacity to meet infrastructure and housing demands.
