The recently introduced restrictions on permanent residency (PR) in Canada have made it hard for Indian immigrants to stay put in the country. But a newly proposed PR pathway specifically for construction workers presents a significant opportunity. Here’s all you need to know about the program, why it was introduced, and how Indian immigrants can benefit from it. The pathway The new pathway seeks to address Canada’s housing crisis by bringing in skilled construction workers. Under this initiative, Canada will reserve up to 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers already in the country, and admit 14,000 foreign construction workers in total. Additionally, Canada will allow qualified temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to enroll in apprenticeship programs without needing a study permit, which has thus far been a barrier for those pursuing apprenticeships in the field. Put simply, this pathway provides a direct route to PR for construction workers, whether they are already in Canada or seeking entry into the country. “Canada is looking to fill critical gaps in its construction workforce. Many international students work in construction-related jobs after their studies, but their work permits have expired or are about to expire. This programme has a long list of construction related works and once this program is launched, these students will have the opportunity to apply for PR through this new pathway,” said immigration expert Tirath Singh of Pinnacle Immigration in Jalandhar. Need for this Canada currently grapples with a significant housing crisis — there simply are not enough homes for people to live in. As a result, the country is targeting to build a million new homes by 2030. However, Canada also faces a crippling shortage of skilled labour, specifically in the construction sector, which stands as a major obstacle to it meeting this target. Currently, approximately 23% of workers in the construction industry are foreign nationals, many of whom are students, and many of whom lack legal status. The new pathway is aimed at addressing the labour shortage, attracting skilled workers, and providing legal avenues for foreign nationals to join the workforce. Furthermore, by allowing TFWs into apprenticeship programs in the construction sector, the government is making it easier for foreign workers to gain the training and experience necessary to eventually be awarded permanent residency. How Indians benefit Indian students who are already working in Canada’s construction sector will be, upon meeting certain criteria, eligible to apply for PR under the new pathway. This includes students working in fields such as civil engineering technology, construction estimation, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal work, etc. Canada is particularly focused on skilled workers, which means that students who acquire formal training through apprenticeships will have an edge when applying for PR when applying through programs such as the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or the new PR pathway for construction workers, said experts. Tirath Singh added that the demand for skilled workers will continue to rise, especially in the construction sector. “For Indian students, this means that working in the construction field or pursuing apprenticeships will not only help them gain PR but also ensure long-term job security and lucrative incomes,” he told The Indian Express. “Canada has never closed its doors to skilled international students, and there is ample scope for students if they are skilled in required trades that are in demand. By acquiring these skills, students can ensure a successful career in Canada and a smoother transition to PR,” Singh said.
