Eligibility to Study Without a Permit in The Construction Sector

Specific Apprentices in Construction Can Study Without a Study Permit in Canada 2025

Post by : Admin on Mar 31,2025

IRCC Minister Marc Miller recently revealed the government’s intention to address housing shortages and strengthen the construction sector in Canada. They will introduce new measures to attract and retain skilled immigrants from various parts of the world in the construction sector. The government also introduced a temporary public policy as a part of those measures. The policy would allow certain apprentices in construction trades to study without a study permit. It is valid for two years from 26th February 2025.

Who Can Apply for This Temporary Public Policy?

The policy applies to certain exceptions only. 

Here are eligibility criteria you must meet while requesting your exemption and applying to the policy.

  • You should have a legit work permit.
  • There must be a proper job offer addressed to you in an eligible construction sector.
  • An apprenticeship agreement that is registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.

If you want to make the most of it as a skilled immigrant worker in the construction industry, staying updated with the latest norms is mandatory. Most people consult professional immigration consultants who guide them through the entire process.

Which Construction Occupations are Eligible?

 

National Occupation Classification (NOC) code

Eligible Occupations

70010

Construction Managers

70011

Home Building and Renovation Managers

21300

Civil Engineers

22300

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

22303

Construction estimators

72102

Sheet metal workers

72106

Welders and related machine operators

72200

Electricians (except industrial and power system)

72201

Industrial electricians

72300

Plumbers

72310

Carpenters

72311

Cabinetmakers

72320

Bricklayers

72400

Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

72401

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

72402

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

72422

Electrical mechanics

72501

Water well drillers

73100

Concrete finishers

73110

Roofers and shinglers

73112

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

73113

Floor covering installers

Steps to Prove Your Eligibility for This Public Policy

You need to submit a request for exemption to apply for this public policy. Check out the steps below to determine if you are eligible to study without a study permit as a construction apprentice in Canada.

Create electronic copies of documents

Use a scanner or camera to keep all the electronic copies ready.

Keep the documents ready

Here are the documents that prove your eligibility:

  • A valid work permit
  • A job in an eligible construction occupation
  • Proof of apprenticeship agreements registered by authorities

It can be challenging to keep all documents ready, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can seek help from immigration experts in that case.

Submit a request form

To apply for the study permit exemption, follow these instructions:

  1. Open the web form.
     
    • Choose the options "Update or ask about your application" > "Add a document to your application."
  2. Provide Personal and Application Details
     
    • When prompted "Who are you?", select the option that best describes your situation.
    • Enter your personal details, including an active email address for communication.
    • Under "What is your application number?", input your valid work permit number as proof of your eligibility.
  3. Select the Appropriate Options from the Drop-Down Menus
     
    • What did you apply for? → Choose "Temporary Residence."
    • What application did you submit? → Select "Work Permit."
    • What’s your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number? → Enter the 8- or 10-digit UCI number found on your work permit (omit hyphens).
  4. Explain Your Request
     
    • Under "Tell us about your request", answer "Yes, you asked me to add document(s)" when asked if you were instructed to provide additional documents.
    • In the explanation box, mention “Apprenticeship 25-27” to ensure your request is correctly identified as part of the study permit exemption.
    • List the documents you are attaching in the "Upload your document(s)" section.
  5. Upload Required Documents
     
    • Proof of employment in an eligible construction occupation.
    • A copy of your apprenticeship agreement registered with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.
  6. Review and Submit
     
    • Double-check the provided information by selecting "Review your request."
    • If everything is accurate, click "Submit your request."

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

Let’s understand what happens after you apply to be allowed to study without a study permit as a construction apprentice.

If your application is approved

You will receive an authorization letter which allows you to continue studying without a study permit. It also specifies the date until which you can study. It can be the date when your work permit expires or the date when this temporary policy expires.

How to prove that you are authorized under this policy?

You need to show your authorization letter to the school where you want to study. The letter is proof that you can study without a study permit.

You can change some conditions of your employment contract, but only after discussing with your employer. The Canadian Government is not responsible for your adherence to the contract.

If your request is rejected

IRCC may refuse your request if you don’t fulfill the eligibility criteria. The authorities will let you know in writing.

Final Thoughts,

2025 is a good time for workers in the construction sector to immigrate to Canada and pursue better career opportunities. The temporary public policy allows specific apprentices to study in Canada without a study permit until a specific period.