Canada to Grant Legal Status to Undocumented Construction Workers

Thousands of undocumented construction workers in Canada will soon have the chance to apply for legal status. The government announced a new immigration pathway on Friday, aiming to address labor shortages and support the country’s housing goals.

Helping Workers Come Out of the Shadows

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that up to 6,000 undocumented workers would be accepted under this program. These workers have been contributing to Canada’s construction industry, yet many have been living in uncertainty due to their lack of legal status.

“We’re reserving space for up to 6,000 undocumented workers across the country to participate in a new construction pathway that will help bring these workers up from underground into the light,” Miller said.

Some of these individuals originally came to Canada legally but remained after their visas expired. Miller acknowledged that these workers often face exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and unfair wages because of their status.

Balancing Enforcement and Economic Needs

Miller emphasized that the government does not encourage people to overstay their visas. However, he also recognized the need to retain experienced workers who are already contributing to key infrastructure projects.

“I want to be clear: no one should stay longer than they’re legally allowed in Canada,” he said. “But it would be shooting ourselves in the foot to ask people that are working in these critical infrastructure projects to leave.”

Canada’s Urgent Need for Construction Workers

Canada is experiencing a major shortage of construction workers. A 2023 report estimated that 64,000 workers were needed, and this number could rise to 85,000 by 2033.

Industry leaders say the construction sector is struggling to attract Canadian workers. Many young people are choosing different career paths, while older workers are retiring.

Sean Strickland, chair of BuildForce Canada, stressed that immigration plays a key role in filling this gap. “Aligning immigration priorities with the needs of Canadian industries is imperative,” he said.

A 2024 report found that the job vacancy rate in construction reached 5.1% in late 2023. Over the next decade, about 330,000 retiring workers will also need to be replaced.

Previous Success and Future Plans

A similar pilot program in the Greater Toronto Area has already helped 1,365 undocumented workers and their families gain permanent residency.

Miller said the new measures are necessary to meet Canada’s construction goals. “It makes sense for the future of the country if we want to build the things we’ve said we will, including the houses that we want people to live in,” he explained.

The exact details of the new program, including eligibility and application timelines, have not yet been shared. A government advisory council, with representatives from unions and the construction industry, will help shape the final policies.

Additionally, foreign apprentices in construction programs will be allowed to finish their studies in Canada without a study permit.

Undocumented Workers in Canada

The number of undocumented immigrants in Canada is difficult to estimate. Some reports suggest there may be as few as 20,000, while others say the number could be as high as 500,000.

An Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesperson explained that Canada has not historically tracked when people leave the country. As a result, there is no accurate data on how many people have overstayed their visas.