Canada is making significant changes to its immigration policies to support the construction industry and address labour shortages. The latest measures, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on March 7, 2025, aim to bring in more skilled workers, regularize undocumented workers, and ease restrictions for foreign apprentices.

Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan has been shaped by housing concerns, leading to a recalibration of immigration targets. The government’s “In-Canada Focus” category prioritizes permanent residency for individuals already living and working in Canada, reducing housing pressures while still meeting labor market needs. In 2025, 82,890 new immigrants are expected to gain permanent residency under this category.

Changes to Immigration Policy

Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan has shifted due to housing concerns. The “In-Canada Focus” category now prioritizes permanent residency for those already living and working in Canada. The government expects 82,890 new immigrants to receive permanent residency under this category in 2025.

Two key changes target construction workforce issues:

• • Permanent Residency for Undocumented Construction Workers: Up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers will have a pathway to permanent residency. This recognizes their role in housing development while addressing labour shortages.
  • No Study Permit Requirement for Foreign Apprentices: Temporary foreign workers enrolling in apprenticeship programs no longer need a study permit, allowing them to gain skills and enter the workforce faster.

Construction Advisory Council

The government is also forming an Advisory Council on Construction, including government officials, unions, and industry employers. This council will:

• • Provide input on prevailing wages for construction workers.
  • Determine the number of foreign construction workers needed annually.
  • Develop strategies to address labour shortages over the long term.

Labour Shortages and Housing Supply

Labour shortages have slowed homebuilding, worsening Canada’s housing crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates 6 million additional homes must be built by 2030 to restore affordability. The government is turning to immigration to help meet this demand.

Immigrants already account for 23% of general contractors and residential builders. Minister Miller acknowledged that Canada cannot meet construction labour needs solely by training workers domestically.

Express Entry for Trades

More trades have been added to Express Entry to attract skilled workers. As of February 27, 2025, 19 new occupations have been included, such as:

• • Construction managers
  • Construction estimators
  • Bricklayers
  • Roofers and shinglers
  • Floor covering installers
  • Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

The new pathway for undocumented construction workers builds on the Greater Toronto Area pilot program, which ran from 2020 to December 31, 2024. That initiative granted permanent residency to 1,365 out-of-status construction workers and their families. The government sees this as an effective model for tackling labour shortages.

The Advisory Council will shape how these policies are implemented. More details will be released in the coming weeks. By creating a permanent residency pathway for undocumented workers and removing study permit barriers for apprentices, the government aims to strengthen the construction workforce while addressing housing challenges.