In a significant move for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Canadian government has extended its temporary public policy aimed at providing a pathway to permanent residency. The program, which began on January 2, 2020, will now run until December 31, 2024, or until it reaches its cap of 1,000 applications.
Launched to address regional labor shortages, the policy recognizes the valuable contributions of foreign construction workers in the GTA who have lost their legal status. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the extension ensures that these workers, who have been employed without authorization, can continue to support the GTA’s booming construction industry while obtaining legal status.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Entered Canada legally as a temporary resident.
- Resided in Canada for at least five years.
- Have at least three years of full-time work experience in the construction industry in the GTA within the last five years.
- Have family members living in Canada.
- Obtain a referral letter from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
- Meet all admissibility requirements, with few exceptions.
Out-of-status workers refer to those who initially entered Canada with valid immigration status but have since lapsed into undocumented status, often making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Application Process
Eligible workers must first contact the Canadian Labour Congress, which will assess their eligibility. Once approved, a referral letter will be issued, and the application will then be processed by IRCC.
Addressing Labor Shortages in Construction
The extension reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction sector. IRCC has highlighted the need for a stable workforce to keep up with housing and infrastructure projects across the region. Recent Express Entry draws in 2023 have also prioritized trade occupations as part of Canada’s efforts to address labor market shortages.
Empowering Vulnerable Workers
The policy offers a significant opportunity for undocumented workers, who may be unaware of their employment rights or hesitant to exercise them, to gain legal status. By doing so, these workers can contribute to Canada’s economy while also benefiting from labor protections, including health and safety regulations.
This extension underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting both economic growth and worker rights in critical industries like construction.