CIC News 2025 | New Update for Construction Workers
New Canada Immigration Policy: No Study Permit Required for Construction Workers
Canada has introduced a game-changing immigration policy that eliminates the need for a study permit for certain construction trade apprentices. This policy, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), makes it easier for temporary foreign workers to enroll in apprenticeship programs while working in the construction industry.
Who Qualifies for This Study Permit Exemption?
To be eligible, a foreign worker must:
Hold a valid work permit
Have a job offer in an eligible construction occupation
Have a registered apprenticeship agreement with an employer
The apprenticeship agreement must be officially registered with a provincial or territorial authority. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application and decision.
Limited-Time Opportunity
This temporary public policy is valid from February 26, 2025, to February 26, 2027. It was announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025.
Which Construction Jobs Are Eligible?
The following high-demand construction occupations qualify under this study permit exemption:
Occupation | NOC Code |
Bricklayers | 72320 |
Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
Carpenters | 72310 |
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22300 |
Civil Engineers | 21300 |
Concrete Finishers | 73100 |
Construction Estimators | 22303 |
Construction Managers | 70010 |
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics | 72400 |
Electrical Mechanics | 72422 |
Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
Floor Covering Installers | 73113 |
HVAC Mechanics | 72402 |
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 |
Home Building and Renovation Managers | 70011 |
Industrial Electricians | 72201 |
Painters and Decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 |
Plumbers | 72300 |
Roofers and Shinglers | 73110 |
Sheet Metal Workers | 72102 |
Water Well Drillers | 72501 |
Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 |
How to Check Your Eligibility
The NOC code determines your job eligibility, not just the job title.
Compare your job responsibilities with the official NOC description on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website.
Your job must cover at least 51% of the tasks listed under the NOC.
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements, follow these steps:
Submit an online request under this study permit exemption.
In the “Tell us about your request” section, include: “Apprenticeship 25-27”.
If approved, you will receive an authorization letter allowing you to study without a permit.
Your authorization remains valid until:
Your work permit expires
The temporary public policy expires
The policy is revoked
Why Is Canada Introducing This Immigration Policy?
Canada is experiencing a severe shortage of construction workers, directly impacting its ability to build more housing. Since apprenticeship programs require both work and study, foreign workers previously needed both work permits and study permits. With this new study permit exemption, workers can complete their construction apprenticeships without additional bureaucracy.
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Construction Workers
In addition to this study permit exemption, Immigration Minister Marc Miller also introduced a new permanent residence (PR) pathway for construction workers:
Up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers already in Canada will now be eligible for permanent residence
Canada will grant PR status to up to 14,000 foreign workers through this initiative
Apply here for the new Programs of Canada
Act Fast – Don’t Miss This Opportunity
This study permits exemption and permanent residence pathway, which makes it easier than ever for foreign workers to build their careers in Canada’s construction industry.
Interested in applying? Check your eligibility now and take the next step toward a better future.
Apply here for the new Programs of Canada
- Category:
- Immigration