The Canadian government is implementing progressive immigration measures to aid Canadian employers in addressing significant labour shortages. In 2019, the IRCC collaborated with the Canadian Labour Congress and introduced a permanent residency pilot program aimed at 500 out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area.
Building on the success of this pilot program originally announced in 2019, the IRCC has now announced its extension and expansion, allowing for up to 1,000 out-of-status construction workers in the GTA to participate. This program recognizes the crucial role that construction workers play in developing our cities and offers them and their families a path to permanent residency, helping to address labour shortages in Canada.
The program promotes stability in the construction industry, ensuring that skilled workers are available to meet the needs of the housing market. Additionally, it will encourage a larger number of workers to leave the underground economy, benefiting Canada’s programs and services.
Eligible individuals have until January 2, 2024, to apply for permanent residency and can include their family members in their application. The CLC will assess the eligibility of potential applicants and then refer them to the IRCC. It is important to note that as of Sep 23, 2022, all new applications need to be submitted digitally.
As the government continues to search for new and innovative methods to regularize the status of undocumented workers in Canada, it will consider the opinions and suggestions gathered from academics, non-governmental organizations, provinces and territories.