Canada's Construction Worker Pathway: What Was Announced and What Is Open Now
Canada announced a pathway to bring in up to 14,000 foreign construction workers, with up to 6,000 of those places set aside for undocumented construction workers already in Canada. As of September 2026, IRCC had not published eligibility rules, the type of status offered, or an opening date. Construction workers can still use Express Entry, provincial programs, and community pilots now.
On this page
- Status
- Announced; not open for applications
- Total places announced
- Up to 14,000 construction workers
- Undocumented workers
- Up to 6,000 places for workers already in Canada
- Other places
- About 8,000 for workers coming through permanent or temporary routes
- Rules published
- No, as of September 2026
- Open alternatives
- Express Entry trades category, PNP construction streams, RCIP, AIP
What was announced?
Canada faces a shortage of construction workers at a time when it wants to build much more housing. In 2025, IRCC announced plans to admit up to 14,000 construction workers:
- Up to 6,000 places for undocumented construction workers who are already in Canada, to regularize their status.
- The remaining places (about 8,000) for foreign nationals coming to work in construction through permanent or temporary routes.
Reporting on the plan described it as one of several new pathways for 2026. See our overview of permanent residency in Canada for the full list.
What is the status in 2026?
As of September 2026, IRCC had not published:
- Who will be eligible (which trades, how much experience, what language level).
- Whether successful applicants will get permanent or temporary status, or a mix.
- How to apply, and when the pathway will open.
No one can apply yet. If you see a website or agent offering to file an application under a "Canada construction worker pathway," treat it as a likely scam. See scam protection. We will update this page and the Canada status page when IRCC publishes details.
Has Canada done this before?
Yes, on a smaller scale. Starting in 2020, a temporary public policy allowed some out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area to apply for permanent residence, with support from the Canadian Labour Congress. It was later expanded, but it had a limited number of places. The 2025 announcement suggests a larger national program, but its rules may be different.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Temporary public policy for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area begins |
| 2025 | IRCC announces plans for up to 14,000 construction workers, including up to 6,000 undocumented workers in Canada |
| 2026 | The pathway is listed among Canada's new 2026 measures; rules and launch date not published as of September 2026 |
What to prepare while you wait
If you are a construction worker who may qualify later, you can prepare now: take an English or French test, collect proof of your work history and any trade certificates, and keep copies of tax records. These documents help with almost any Canadian immigration application.
If you are undocumented and work in construction
Your situation carries real risk. Before you contact IRCC, file anything, or pay anyone:
- Talk to a lawyer or licensed consultant (RCIC). Many community legal clinics and unions help workers for free. See how to verify a lawyer or consultant.
- Gather proof of your work history: pay records, tax filings, letters from employers or unions, and training certificates.
- Learn about your options now. Depending on your history, restoration of status (only within 90 days of losing status), a temporary resident permit, or a humanitarian and compassionate application may be possible.
Do not rely on the new pathway opening in time to stop a removal order.
Routes open to construction workers now
| Route | Fits you if |
|---|---|
| Express Entry trades category | You have 12 months of experience in a listed trade (for example carpenter, electrician, plumber) in the last 3 years and qualify for an Express Entry program. |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | You have 2 years of trade experience and a job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification. |
| Provincial Nominee Programs | Your province targets construction. For example, New Brunswick's NB Experience stream covers construction as of May 2026. |
| Rural Community Immigration Pilot | A designated employer in a participating community hires you. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | A designated employer in Atlantic Canada hires you. |
| LMIA work permit | A Canadian employer hires you on a temporary basis. |
Employers can read hiring construction workers from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canada construction worker pathway open?
No. It was announced in 2025, but as of September 2026 IRCC had not published eligibility rules or an opening date.
How many construction workers will the pathway admit?
Up to 14,000, with up to 6,000 places for undocumented construction workers already in Canada.
Can undocumented construction workers get PR in Canada?
The announced pathway reserves places for them, but it has not opened. Undocumented workers should get legal advice about their current options before taking any step.
Which trades qualify for the Express Entry trades category?
Examples on the 2026 list include carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, bricklayers, and heavy-duty equipment mechanics. Check IRCC's official list for your NOC code.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.