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New Study Permit Exemption for Construction Trades Announced in Canada
The Canadian government is making it easier for temporary foreign workers to gain hands-on experience and training in the construction sector. A new policy from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows eligible workers to enroll in apprenticeship programs without needing a separate study permit.
Who Can Apply?
To benefit from this exemption, workers must:
- Hold a valid work permit.
- Have a job offer in a construction occupation facing labor shortages.
- Sign a registered apprenticeship agreement with their employer, approved by the relevant provincial or territorial authority.
Applicants must meet these conditions both when submitting their request and when the decision is made.
The policy took effect on February 26, 2025, and will run until February 26, 2027. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the change during a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, 2025.
Which Jobs Qualify?
Eligible occupations are determined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. The job must align with at least 51% of the duties listed in the NOC description, not just the job title. Workers can verify their NOC code by comparing their duties with the lead statement for their occupation on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website.
| 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 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning 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 Apply
Workers must clearly indicate they are applying under this policy. When submitting their online request, they should write “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the explanation box under the “Tell us about your request” section.
Successful applicants will receive a letter authorizing them to study without a permit. This authorization will remain valid until the earliest of the following:
- The work permit expires.
- The temporary public policy ends.
- The policy is revoked.
Why This Policy Matters Canada is tackling its housing crisis by boosting the construction workforce. Apprenticeship programs typically require both work and study permits, creating unnecessary barriers for foreign workers. This policy removes those obstacles, making it easier for workers to seamlessly shift between job sites and classrooms.
New Pathway to Permanent Residency
Alongside this exemption, the government is launching a new permanent residency pathway for construction workers. Up to 6,000 spots will be reserved for undocumented workers already in Canada, with a total of 14,000 new permanent residents potentially admitted.
Details on the permanent residency pathway’s eligibility requirements are expected soon. This policy shift shows Canada’s commitment to strengthening its workforce while giving foreign workers more opportunities to build a stable future.