The temporary public policy aimed at providing permanent residency to out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been extended. The policy will now remain in effect until December 31, 2024, or until it reaches the maximum of 1,000 applications, whichever comes first.
Initially launched on January 2, 2020, this program was designed to address regional labour market needs. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the extension acknowledges the economic contributions of foreign construction workers in the GTA who have lost their status and have been working without proper authorization.
The policy is designed to process both temporary and permanent residence applications for 1,000 out-of-status construction workers and their families in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Applicants do not need prior authorization to work in construction in the GTA to be eligible.
Who is Eligible?
“Out-of-status” refers to individuals who initially arrived in Canada with valid immigration status but have since lost it, leaving them susceptible to exploitation.
To qualify for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Legally entered Canada as a temporary resident.
- Lived in Canada for at least five years.
- Currently working in the construction industry in the GTA and can provide proof of three years of full-time eligible experience within the last five years.
- Have family members residing in Canada.
- Obtain a referral letter from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
- Neither the applicant nor their family members are inadmissible to Canada, with some exceptions.
A designated officer will make the final determination on whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria.
How to Apply?
Applicants must contact the Canadian Labour Congress, which will assess their eligibility. If the applicant meets the conditions, the CLC will issue a referral letter following their evaluation.
Applications will then be forwarded to the IRCC to be processed.
Extension Highlights Increasing Demand in the Construction Industry
The extension reflects the rising demand for skilled trades, particularly in the construction sector. According to IRCC, the construction industry is experiencing significant labor shortages, and maintaining a stable workforce is essential to ensuring the timely completion of housing and infrastructure projects.
To address this growing demand, Canada introduced category-based Express Entry draws in 2023, targeting sectors and occupations experiencing high growth, including trade professions.
Benefits for Workers
This policy is also intended to support workers who have been contributing to Canada’s economy by meeting regional labor needs but remain vulnerable due to their out-of-status condition.
As noted by IRCC, “Many undocumented construction workers may be unaware of their employment rights or reluctant to exercise them. These workers may not be benefiting from workplace regulations like health and safety inspections.”
By providing legal status, the policy enables these workers to continue their contributions to the construction industry while becoming more informed and empowered regarding their workplace rights.
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