Navigating the Path to Permanent Residency for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the GTA
The program aims to offer permanent residency to out-of-status construction workers who work in construction field, live and work in the Greater Toronto Area, and have family in Canada.
This pilot program opened in January 2020 and has been extended to December 31, 2024.
Program Details
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has long been a hub for construction and development, attracting skilled workers from around the globe. However, some of these workers find themselves out-of-status, a situation that can lead to uncertainty and stress. Recognizing this, the Canadian government has implemented a public policy offering a pathway to permanent residency for these individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Legal Entry to Canada: You must have legally entered Canada as a temporary resident.
- Residency Duration: You should have lived in Canada for at least five years at the time of your application.
- Construction Industry Experience: You must be working in the construction industry within the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and provide proof of three years of full-time eligible experience within the last five years.
- Family Ties: Having family members living in Canada is also a requirement. Family is widely defined to include: mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or cousin.
- Select Inadmissibility: The foreign national is only inadmissible due to overstaying and working without authorization in Canada.
Application Process
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Contact the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC): Before applying for permanent residence, you are required to register with the CLC. They will assess your eligibility and place you in the Queue.
- Canadian Labour Congress Acknowledgement – The CLC will contact the applicant once her spot is secured and will request forms and supporting documents for review.
- Submission of Forms and Documents: Provide the forms and supporting documents to the CLC for review of eligibility.
- CLC will Submit Your Application: The CLC will review the final application and submit it to Immigration Canada.
- Acknowledgement of Receipt by IRCC – IRCC will send notice of receipt of the Application
- Processing of Application – IRCC will review application and request biometrics and medicals.
- Decision by IRCC – IRCC will notify Applicant of the decision of the Application.
Inclusion of Family Members
A significant aspect of this program is the ability to include family members in the application. Eligible workers can include their spouses, partners, and dependent children, ensuring that the path to a new life in Canada is one that they can walk together.
Conclusion
The permanent resident program for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA is a commendable initiative that reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting skilled workers and their families. It provides a structured and supportive route for those who have contributed to the country’s construction sector to establish a permanent home in Canada.
For those interested in this opportunity, it is crucial to act promptly and ensure all eligibility requirements are met. With the deadline approaching and the cap nearly reached, now is the time to take the necessary steps towards a more secure future in the GTA.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer to handle your case and ensure success.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer
Immigration is a dynamic and complex system that requires careful planning and preparation. By hiring an immigration lawyer, you can benefit from their expertise and guidance throughout the process. Here are some of the advantages of working with an immigration lawyer:
- An immigration lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes or provide misleading information on your application that could lead to application denial or a five-year ban.
- An immigration lawyer can help you find the proper forms to fill out, guide you through the process, and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- An immigration lawyer can help you identify the best program or stream for your occupation and skills, and help you apply for it.
- An immigration lawyer can help you prepare your application and documents to ensure that you meet the deadlines and criteria.
- An immigration lawyer can help you spot errors made by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and advise you on the next steps.
- An immigration lawyer can help you appeal an unfavourable decision, and represent you in court if necessary.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is not a requirement, but it can make a big difference in your outcome. An immigration lawyer can save you time, money, and stress, and increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, you can contact us at MM Immigration Law and we will be happy to assist you. We have extensive experience and knowledge in Canadian immigration law, and we have helped thousands of clients achieve their immigration goals. We offer a reasonable fee for our services. Contact us today and let us help you with your Express Entry application. 🍁
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and it is not intended as legal advice. The information is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and it may not be appropriate for you. Do not rely solely on this blog. Always do your own research and due diligence. Immigration laws and regulations can change over time. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are unsure how to proceed.