Bengaluru
Immigration Minister announced immigration measures to boost construction workforce and housing development
In response to Canada’s housing challenges, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has introduced strategic immigration measures focused on the construction industry. The initiative encompasses the formation of a tripartite advisory council, developing regularization pathways for construction workers without status, and streamlined processes for international apprentices. These policy adjustments, following the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, seek to enhance the construction sector workforce while ensuring balanced immigration levels. This strategic approach addresses Canada’s critical housing development and skilled labour requirements, noting that immigrants constitute 23% of the residential construction workforce.
#housing, #construction_workforce, #skilled_trades, #foreign_workers, #apprenticeship_program, #labour_shortage, #canada_housing_plan
Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program: No new applications this year
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will exclusively process applications from the existing 2020 pool, aiming to accept 10,000 complete applications. While processing times remain 24 months for most of Canada, Quebec-bound applications face longer 48-month wait times due to limited admission targets. The decision aligns with reduced immigration targets in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, though the super visa option offers extended family visits of up to 5 years.
#PGP, #family_sponsorship, #parents_and_grandparents_program, #super_visa, #ircc, #family_reunification
IRCC eased study permit rules for construction apprentices
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a strategic initiative to alleviate construction sector labour shortages through a two-year temporary public policy. This measure waives study permit requirements for qualified construction worker apprentices. From February 26, 2025, to February 26, 2027, temporary workers holding valid work permits and registered apprenticeship agreements in designated shortage occupations will be able to complete their training without obtaining additional study permits, facilitating a more efficient pathway for skilled construction professionals in Canada.
#temporary_foreign_workers, #construction_workers, #apprenticeship_program, #labour_shortage, #skilled_trades, #work_permits
Alberta released the results of eight draws under the AAIP
On March 6, 2025, Alberta published the recent draws conducted through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). On February 7, the AAIP invited 20 candidates working in the agriculture sector under the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors stream. Additionally, on February 12 and 14, Alberta invited 63 tech professionals and 88 construction workers through the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway and Alberta Opportunity Stream, respectively. Furthermore, on February 18, 19, 27, and 28, the AAIP conducted draws under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams) and invited a total of 72 candidates. On March 5, 2025, the province invited four additional candidates under the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway. This year, Alberta invited 555 candidates through all AAIP streams.
#Alberta, #AAIP, #PNP, #ITA, #Nomination_certificate, #Express_Entry, #healthcare, #agriculture, #AOS