I decided to write about the Permanent Residency program for construction workers without immigration status in the Greater Toronto Area because I am surprised to learn how many people are unaware of its existence.
In Canada, and especially in Toronto, there are many construction workers without status who are contributing to the construction of the country. They are risking their lives and health on a daily basis to cover the high rate of unemployment and the high demand for housing and infrastructure. They are hardworking people who pay their taxes and are immersed in Canadian culture. These workers, unfortunately, live in hiding for fear of being deported from Canada, have limited access to social programs, and are vulnerable to labour exploitation.
The Permanent Residency program for construction workers in Toronto began in July 2019, and was supposed to run until the end of 2023. However, on January 3, 2024, it had an extension of another 6 months due to the success of the program, and is now in effect until July 2, 2024.
It is important that all people who think they may qualify for this program apply. It is the opportunity to regularize their status in Canada and begin to have access to all the benefits as Permanent Residents.
A maximum of 1000 applications will be accepted for the program. The applicant may include his or her immediate family in the process, i.e. spouse, concubine, and dependent children. You do not need to demonstrate a level of English or French. Applicants will receive a work permit and their children a study permit while they await their permanent residency.
Requirements to qualify for this program
– Have entered Canada legally and eventually lost immigration status
– Be working in construction in the Greater Toronto Area
– Have worked in construction full-time for at least 3 years in the last 5 years
– Have lived in Canada for the last 5 years prior to submitting the application
– Have a family member who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in Canada
– Have not previously applied for refuge
– Not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason other than overstaying in Canadian territory and working without authorization
Application Processing
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is responsible for registering and processing applications before they are submitted to Immigration Canada. Interested individuals should visit the CLC website and fill out the registration form for the program, this will put them on a waiting list for a few months. When the CLC contacts them, it is because they are already among the 1000 places, and they can already complete their application for permanent residency under this regularization program and send it to Immigration Canada.
All processing with the CLC is free of charge; however, applicants must cover the costs of processing, biometrics and medical examinations before Immigration Canada. Children pay less than adults. The entire process to obtain confirmation of Permanent Residency status can take around 5 months.