New! Permanent Residence for “Out-of-Status” Construction Workers in the GTA, 2023
Permanent Residence for “Out-of-Status” Construction Workers in the GTA, 2023
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process at least another 500 applications for permanent residence for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA in 2023.
Under the new Subsequent Temporary Public Policy to Continue to Facilitate Access to Permanent Resident Status for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area in 2023, the CLC will help at least another 500 out-of-status construction workers and their immediate family to find a pathway to permanent residence that will end the insecure nature of their employment and immigration status.
This new 2023 policy will have the CLC processing applications to 1,000 principal applicants including the principal applicants whose applications have already been previously approved by IRCC under the Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area and the Temporary Public Policy to Further Facilitate Access to Permanent Resident Status for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area.
Out-of-status workers are people who have come to Canada with valid temporary residence status, but have fallen out of status for various reasons, and have found employment in the construction industry. Without status, these workers have continued to fill labour shortages, while contributing greatly to our society and economy. However, fear of detection, detainment and deportation drives these workers and their families “underground,” often limiting their access to social programs and making them vulnerable to employer exploitation and abuse.
The CLC is proud of the great success with this temporary initiative ending in 2022. We are pleased to continue this work to get permanent residence for “out-of-status” construction workers and their families in 2023.
The CLC will be engaging at the highest level of due diligence to ensure the safety and security of any applicants who come forward to take part in this initiative.
Update to the Public Policy – January 3, 2023
Workers must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply to this program:
*Please note, workers do not need to pass a language exam to qualify for this program.
Eligibility Criteria
For a detailed description of this initiative and eligibility requirements, visit:
and
Duration (January 3, 2023 to January 2, 2024)
This new initiative will be in effect from January 3, 2023 to January 2, 2024 when the new public policy will end, or until the 1,000 principal applicants (plus their eligible family members) have been granted permanent residence status including the principal applicants whose applications have already been approved by IRCC under the Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area and the Temporary Public Policy to Further Facilitate Access to Permanent Resident Status for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area, whichever comes first.
Region
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as defined by Statistics Canada – Toronto Economic Region: City of Toronto, Durham Region, Halton Region, Peel Region, York Region.
Applicant Selection:
Applicants are referred on a first-come, first-serve basis and the application process is open to all qualified workers, whether or not they are unionized. Identification and referral of potential applicants under the public policy will be carried out in an unbiased, fair and equitable manner.
The CLC has engaged an immigration lawyer and staff specifically trained for this initiative.
Applicants will undergo rigorous screening by the CLC, based on the eligibility criteria, which may include telephone interviews.
The CLC will only refer to IRCC applications that the CLC determines to be eligible under the public policy, having met ALL of the criteria established by IRCC.
All information received from applicants and through the applications will be treated with the strictest of confidence. The CLC will undertake to maintain, respect and protect fully the confidentiality of the information received from or about applicants, and not to release it to anyone other than the individual to whom it relates, unless such release is clearly authorized by the applicant. This applies to all applicants – whether or not their application is successful.
Application Process is Open – WAITING LIST
**IMPORTANT:
- The CLC will continue to wait list new applicants to the program.
- The CLC has a lawyer and staff trained to process applications for this program.
- No fee is required to get on the CLC waiting list.
- No fee is required for submission of the intake form to the CLC.
- No fee is required for the application processing at the CLC.
- When the CLC refers completed applications to the IRCC, then government processing fees are required for your application and paid directly to IRCC.
Although there is currently a waiting list, the application process remains open for workers wishing to add their name to the waiting list. The CLC will inform you as soon as possible when spaces become available and your application can proceed to an eligibility screening.
Step 1: Submit a CLC intake form
You have to submit the CLC’s intake application form to the CLC by email, fax or mail. Get the CLC’s intake application form here.
Please do not send additional documents to the CLC without first submitting an intake form and being requested to do so by the CLC.
Step 2: The CLC will contact you when there is a space
Once the CLC receives your intake application form, the CLC will contact you to discuss your application if a space becomes available on the waiting list.
Step 3: CLC Referral Letter
The application for permanent residence must include a referral letter from the CLC attesting that the CLC determines the applicant to be eligible under the public policy.
Once it is determined that you are eligible to apply, the CLC will work with you to complete the application process and provide a referral letter prior to submission to IRCC. Spouses/partners and dependent children can be included in the application for permanent residence.
Only those who the CLC determines to be eligible under the public policy will be considered for referral by the CLC.
IRCC’s application information and guide, including application forms to complete once the CLC determines an applicant is eligible, can be found at the following links:
Questions
For questions about this initiative, please contact the CLC at:
[email protected]
Toll-Free: 1-844-986-0390
Local: 613-526-7429
For questions about other matters pertaining to immigration and citizenship, outside of this initiative, please contact: