Canada’s immigration minister Marc Miller has announced that foreign registered apprentices will be able to work in the country while completing their studies without having to apply for permits beforehand in an effort to increase affordable housing in the country.
Current temporary workers will also be eligible for the scheme, allowing them to enrol in trades, training and apprenticeship programmes for the duration of their existing work permit.
The idea is to retain Canada’s construction workforce in the long term, although the government has not provided details about routes to permanent residency.
Unions will be consulted to guarantee worker safety and protection.
“No one should stay here longer than they are legally allowed. Those who do may face serious consequences, including removal and being banned from returning to Canada in the future,” Miller said.
Applications are open now for temporary workers to get a study permit exemption.
The country-wide reform is based on a 2024 pilot undertaken by trade union, the Canadian Labour Congress, and the Greater Toronto Area to encourage out-of-status construction workers to apply for permanent residency after working in construction
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