Permanent residence program expanded for construction workers

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Canadian government recently extended and expanded the permanent residence pilot program for out-of-status construction workers.

Key Points:

• Canadian authorities doubled the number of spots for the permanent residence pilot program for construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area from 500 to 1,000 spots.
• Eligible individuals have until Jan. 2, 2024, or until 1,000 principal applicants have been chosen for the program to apply for permanent residence. Individuals can include their spouses, partners and dependent children in their application.
• Potential applicants can continue to submit their names to the Canadian Labor Congress to determine their eligibility for the program.

Additional Information: Canadian authorities launched the pilot program in 2019 to create a pathway to permanent residency for out-of-status construction workers to address labor shortages.

BAL Analysis: The expansion of the pilot program for construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area is a step forward in increasing the protection of some workers in the construction industry, while safeguarding Canada’s labor market.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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