Subsequent temporary public policy to continue to facilitate access to permanent resident status for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
This public policy has been extended until December 31, 2024, or until we approve 1,000 applications, whichever comes first. Spaces are filling quickly, so apply soon to secure your spot before capacity is reached.
This section is about the processing of both temporary and permanent residence applications for a group of 1,000 out-of-status construction workers and their families in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Applicants can apply whether or not they have previously been granted authorization to work in the construction industry in the GTA.
Launched on January 2, 2020, this temporary public policy was updated in July 2021 to be more facilitative and was then extended until January 2, 2023. The public policy was revisited to continue to facilitate access to permanent resident status for out of status construction workers in the GTA. This subsequent temporary public policy, which took effect on January 3, 2023, increases the cap to 1,000 principal applicants in the GTA (the 1,000-application cap includes the principal applicants who submitted applications under the two previous public policies).
Background
The subsequent temporary public policy to continue to facilitate access to permanent resident status for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA recognizes the economic contribution of foreign national construction workers currently employed in the GTA who have fallen out of status and have been working without authorization. This public policy seeks to regularize individuals who have been contributing to the Canadian economy by filling a regional labour market need and is more facilitative than the previous public policy.
At the same time, this public policy addresses the vulnerable position of these workers due to their lack of immigration status. Many undocumented construction workers may be unaware of their employment rights or hesitant to exercise them. These workers may not be benefiting from workplace regulations, such as health and safety inspections.