Action to support housing with new immigration measures

Canada has introduced new immigration measures to support housing by bolstering the construction sector. Announced on March 7, 2025, by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, these include:

• Pathway for Undocumented Workers: A regularization program for up to 6,000 out-of-status construction workers, building on a Toronto pilot, to legalize their status and support housing projects.

• Foreign Apprentices Support: A temporary measure, effective immediately, allows foreign apprentices to study in construction programs without a study permit, speeding up their contribution to infrastructure.

• Tripartite Advisory Council: A new council with government, union, and industry leaders will assess construction needs and advise on pathways for skilled workers.

These align with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to address housing shortages by leveraging immigrants, who make up 23% of Canada’s construction workforce, while maintaining sustainable immigration levels. As of November 2024, 1,365 permanent residents have been admitted through the undocumented workers pathway.