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In a bid to address its mounting housing crisis and alleviate labor shortages in the construction sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a groundbreaking temporary public policy. Effective February 26, 2025—and set to run until February 26, 2027—the new measure allows some temporary foreign workers to enroll in apprenticeship programs without the need for a study permit.
Under the new policy, eligible foreign nationals must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid work permit: Applicants must have current authorization to work in Canada.
- Secure a job offer in an eligible construction occupation: The position must align with occupations identified as facing significant shortages.
- Possess an apprenticeship agreement: This agreement must be registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial authority and cover the work described in the job offer.
Applicants must also ensure that, for the job to qualify under the National Occupation Classification (NOC), at least 51% of their duties correspond with those outlined in the lead statement on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website. The specifics of the NOC code—not merely the job title—will determine eligibility.
Eligible Occupations in Short Supply
The initiative targets several construction occupations where shortages have been most pressing. These include, but are not limited to:
|
Occupation |
NOC Code |
|---|---|
|
Bricklayers |
72320 |
|
Cabinetmakers |
72311 |
|
Carpenters |
72310 |
|
Civil Engineering Technologists & Technicians |
22300 |
|
Civil Engineers |
21300 |
|
Concrete Finishers |
73100 |
|
Construction Estimators |
22303 |
|
Construction Managers |
70010 |
|
Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics |
72400 |
|
Electrical Mechanics |
72422 |
|
Electricians (except industrial/power system) |
72200 |
|
Floor Covering Installers |
73113 |
|
Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics |
72402 |
|
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics |
72401 |
|
Home Building & Renovation Managers |
70011 |
|
Industrial Electricians |
72201 |
|
Painters & Decorators (except interior decorators) |
73112 |
|
Plumbers |
72300 |
|
Roofers & Shinglers |
73110 |
|
Sheet Metal Workers |
72102 |
|
Water Well Drillers |
72501 |
|
Welders & Related Machine Operators |
72106 |
To apply, potential candidates must explicitly request consideration under the public policy. When submitting an online request, applicants should include “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the “Tell us about your request” explanation box. If approved, they will be issued a letter of authorization that allows them to study without a permit. This authorization remains valid until the earliest of these events: the expiry of the work permit, the end of the temporary public policy, or the policy’s revocation.
A Broader Strategy for Change
The new study permit exemption strategy was unveiled by Immigration Minister Marc Miller during a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025. According to Minister Miller, the Canadian government is taking decisive steps to boost the supply of skilled construction workers, which is vital to mitigating the nation’s housing crisis.
The government revealed plans for a new permanent residence pathway customized for construction workers in conjunction with the study permit exemption announcement. The proposal includes reserving up to 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers already residing in Canada, with the overall potential to admit as many as 14,000 permanent residents. While specifics regarding the eligibility criteria for this new pathway are still forthcoming, the announcement underscores a broader commitment to integrating skilled foreign workers into Canada’s labor market.
Looking Ahead
This innovative policy represents a significant shift in how Canada supports its construction trade apprentices. By allowing temporary foreign workers to bypass the study permit hurdle during their apprenticeships—provided they hold a valid work permit and secure the necessary job offer and apprenticeship agreement—the government aims to foster smoother transitions between work and study periods. These changes are expected to ensure a consistent influx of skilled labor, which will play a crucial role in addressing housing shortages across the country.
As the policy takes effect, industry experts and prospective apprentices alike are watching closely, hopeful that these regulatory adjustments will not only expand opportunities for foreign workers but also pave the way for a more robust and dynamic construction workforce in Canada.
For additional information and the latest updates on application processes and the upcoming permanent residence pathway, we encourage you to reach out to Westsun Immigration Services or consult the IRCC website. We're here to assist you every step of the way!
