Canada has recently introduced several significant measures to address labor shortages in the construction sector and adjust its immigration policies. On March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced initiatives including a new pathway to permanent residence for construction workers, changes to the trades category in Express Entry, provisions for out-of-status construction workers, and updates aligned with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
New Pathway to Permanent Residence for Construction Workers
The Canadian government has introduced a pathway to permanent residence specifically for construction workers, aiming to address labor shortages in the sector. This initiative reserves immigration spaces for up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers already residing in Canada. Additionally, qualified temporary foreign workers can now participate in apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit, effective March 7, 2025. These measures are designed to attract and retain skilled workers in the construction industry.
The government’s decision to implement these changes stems from a combination of factors, including a pressing housing shortage, labor shortages in critical infrastructure projects, and external economic pressures such as tariff threats. By providing pathways for undocumented workers and supporting foreign apprentices, Canada aims to bolster its construction workforce to meet these challenges effectively.
Recent Changes to the Trades Category in Express Entry
In February 2025, IRCC announced major changes to Express Entry categories, including updates to the trades category. The trades category now focuses on specific occupations to better align with labor market needs. These adjustments aim to prioritize candidates with relevant experience and skills to address labor shortages in key sectors.
The immigration department also added 19 new occupations to the category, expanding it significantly.
Among the added occupations were several construction occupations including:
- – Construction managers;
- – Construction estimators;
- – Bricklayers;
- – Roofers and shinglers;
- – Floor covering installers; and
- – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators).
Previous Guidelines for Construction Workers Who Are Out of Status
Building on the success of previous initiatives, such as the Greater Toronto Area pilot program, IRCC has introduced a regularization pathway for out-of-status construction workers. This program offers opportunities for undocumented migrants in the construction sector to obtain legal status, allowing them to continue contributing to infrastructure projects while ensuring they receive proper protections.
2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines Canada’s targets for permanent and temporary resident admissions. The plan includes a reduction in permanent resident admissions from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, with further decreases in subsequent years. This adjustment aims to address public concerns about housing affordability and strain on social services, while also ensuring that immigration levels align with Canada’s economic and infrastructure capacities.
These measures collectively reflect Canada’s efforts to adapt its immigration policies to current labor market needs, particularly in the construction sector, while also responding to public concerns about housing and social services.
