Canada’s immigration ministry has announced a significant change for construction workers. Apprentices who want to become skilled professionals in the construction industry no longer need a study permit. This is a major relief, especially for those with closed work permits tied to specific employers. Workers with open work permits were already at an advantage, as their permits often included the right to study. However, those with closed work permits did not have this option, making it much harder for them to upskill.
A new program has also been introduced, reserving up to 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers already in Canada. However, the exact timelines and rules for this program have not yet been announced. Additionally, Canada plans to welcome up to 14,000 foreign construction workers, though it remains unclear whether they will enter through temporary or permanent programs.
In terms of obtaining permanent residency (PR), apprentices can now apply through federal programs like Express Entry, where construction trades have been prioritized. However, in some provinces, PR nomination still requires a full trade certification rather than just apprentice status. For example, Alberta does not nominate apprentices for PR at all, making it the most challenging province for construction workers seeking permanent residency.
These changes have been introduced due to Canada’s ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry, particularly amidst the housing crisis. The country needs to build millions of new homes to address the issue of affordable housing, making it crucial to attract more skilled workers through immigration.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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