Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
New Immigration Pathways
Canada announces immigration changes to support construction industry
In a significant move aimed at bolstering Canada's construction sector, the Canadian government has announced new immigration pathways designed to address labor shortages in the industry. The announcement was made by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), at a press conference held in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025.
New Initiatives to Support Construction Industry
The government has outlined two major initiatives. First, it has allocated immigration spaces for up to 6,000 construction workers. This initiative is expected to provide a robust influx of skilled laborers to the construction sector, which is facing critical shortages. Second, the government will allow foreign nationals currently in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to enroll in apprenticeship programs without the need for a separate study permit. This change is anticipated to streamline the process for foreign workers to gain essential skills and qualifications, thus enriching the Canadian workforce.
While these announcements mark a pivotal step towards strengthening the construction industry, the government has yet to disclose the implementation timeline or the specific eligibility criteria for the new permanent residency pathway.
Establishment of an Advisory Council
To further support these initiatives, the government is setting up an advisory council dedicated to shaping federal policies on construction. Comprising representatives from government, unions, and industry employers, this council is expected to convene as early as next week. The council's mandate includes providing insights into prevailing wages and advising on the number of construction workers needing admission into Canada.
Minister Miller also indicated that Canada might admit up to 14,000 foreign national construction workers. However, details regarding whether these admissions will occur through permanent or temporary pathways remain unclarified.
Enhancements to Express Entry System
In a related development, the IRCC recently revised the Express Entry system, particularly expanding the trades category. As of February 27, 2025, the department has prioritized trade occupations, including 19 new roles specifically targeted to bolster the construction sector. These roles encompass positions such as construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, and painters, among others. This strategic expansion reflects Canada's commitment to attracting skilled individuals who can immediately contribute to the country's infrastructure needs.
Balancing Immigration and Housing Supply
The newly announced initiatives come against the backdrop of broader immigration policy adjustments, as outlined in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Housing supply concerns have been at the forefront of immigration discussions, influencing decisions to lower immigration levels for both permanent and temporary residents. The government argues that reducing temporary residents could potentially free up to 670,000 housing units across the country.
Additionally, the creation of the "In-Canada Focus" category within the federal immigration framework underscores the government's strategy to prioritize candidates already residing and working in Canada. This approach aims to achieve permanent resident landings targets without exacerbating housing shortages, with a projected 82,890 new immigrants expected through this category in 2025.
These measures collectively signify a comprehensive effort by the Canadian government to address labor and housing challenges, ensuring that the immigration system aligns with national economic and social priorities.
