Canada to Grant Legal Status to Thousands of Undocumented Construction Workers
Canada is launching a new immigration pathway to grant legal status to undocumented construction workers, aiming to address the housing crisis and labor shortages. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that up to 6,000 undocumented workers will be eligible under this initiative.
Why This Matters
Canada’s construction sector is struggling with a massive labor shortage. Reports from RBC (2023) and BuildForce Canada (2024) reveal:
- 64,000 vacant construction jobs in 2023, expected to rise to 85,000 by 2033.
- 330,000 workers set to retire within the next decade.
This new immigration policy aims to fill those gaps by allowing skilled but undocumented workers to gain permanent resident (PR) status and work legally in Canada.
Who Qualifies?
Although full eligibility criteria are still pending, the program will likely target:
✔ Workers with experience in construction trades.
✔ Those currently living in Canada but without legal status.
✔ Individuals contributing to critical infrastructure projects.
A similar pilot program in Toronto has already helped over 1,300 workers and their families gain PR.
What This Means for Undocumented Workers
If you're an undocumented worker, here’s what you can do now:
🔹 Stay informed – Follow IRCC’s official announcements.
🔹 Gather proof of work experience – Pay stubs, contracts, or employer references.
🔹 Consult an immigration expert – Lawyers or advocacy groups can help prepare applications.
What’s Next?
An advisory council of government, industry, and union leaders is set to finalize eligibility rules and application details. If you’re in construction and out of status, this could be a pathway to legal residency.
📌 Stay Updated – Visit IRCC’s official website for the latest updates.
