Temporary Worker Apprentices - Study Permits Exemption

Canada Exempts Temporary Worker Apprentices from Study Permits to Boost Construction Sector

Effective March 7, Canada introduced a new public policy under the International Mobility Program (IMP) [R188(1)], effective immediately as of March 25, 2025, exempting temporary worker apprentices in the construction sector from the requirement to obtain a study permit. This move, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, is designed to address the country’s pressing housing shortage by accelerating the integration of skilled foreign workers into the construction industry—a sector where immigrants already constitute 23% of the workforce.

Typically, foreign nationals wishing to study in Canada for more than six months need a study permit, a process that can delay their ability to train and work. By waiving this requirement for construction apprentices under the IMP, the government allows these temporary workers to immediately enroll in recognized training programs, such as those for carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. This exemption leverages their existing temporary work status, enabling them to gain Canadian credentials faster and contribute directly to building homes and infrastructure.

The policy is part of broader immigration reforms outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which balances economic needs with sustainable population growth. It complements other measures, like the regularization of undocumented construction workers and the creation of a Tripartite Advisory Council, to ensure a steady supply of labor for housing projects. With construction demand soaring—Canada aims to build 3.9 million homes by 2031—this exemption removes bureaucratic hurdles, supporting both workers and the housing market. For employers and apprentices, it’s a practical step: quicker training means quicker deployment to job sites, all while maintaining compliance with immigration rules under the IMP framework.

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