Deadline for GTA construction workers seeking permanent residency extended

The temporary public policy designed to help out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) secure permanent residency has been extended. This policy will now remain in effect until December 31, 2024, or until it reaches its limit of 1,000 applications—whichever happens first.

Introduced on January 2, 2020, the policy was aimed at addressing the regional labour shortage in the construction industry. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decided to extend the policy, recognizing the valuable contribution of foreign workers who are currently employed in the GTA but have lost their legal status and are working without authorization.

Under this program, both temporary and permanent residency applications will be processed for up to 1,000 workers and their families. Workers do not need to have a current work permit to apply.

To qualify for this policy, applicants must meet several requirements:

1. They must have entered Canada legally as temporary residents.
2. They need to have lived in Canada for at least five years.
3. They must be working in the construction industry in the GTA and provide proof of at least three years of full-time work experience in the last five years.
4. They should have family residing in Canada.
5. They must obtain a referral letter from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
6. They and their family must not be inadmissible to Canada, with some exceptions.

A designated officer will review each application to determine if the criteria are met.

Applicants should first contact the Canadian Labour Congress, which will assess their eligibility. If deemed eligible, the CLC will issue a referral letter. This letter will then be used to apply to the IRCC for processing.

The extension reflects the increasing need for skilled tradespeople, particularly in construction. IRCC notes that the sector continues to experience significant labour shortages, and a stable workforce is crucial for ongoing housing and infrastructure projects. In response to this need, Canada has also introduced category-based Express Entry draws focusing on occupations in high demand, including trades, throughout 2023.

This policy is not just about meeting labour demands; it also aims to support workers who have been contributing to the Canadian economy despite their out-of-status situation. Many undocumented workers may be unaware of their employment rights or hesitant to enforce them. By offering legal status, the policy helps these workers continue their contributions while also ensuring they are more aware of their rights and protections in the workplace.