Permanent Residence for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

There are some monumental changes to immigration policy that allow construction workers who overstayed their visas and therefore remained in Canada illegally, to now obtain permanent resident status along with their accompanying family members. The regions of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that are included are as follows: City of Toronto, Durham Region, Halton Region, Peel Region, York Region. Construction workers living in the aforementioned regions and working in an eligible trade therefore, should take advantage of this opportunity granted that they are not inadmissible to Canada for reasons other then overstaying a visa (beyond the period of restoration of status of 90 days) and working without authorization (working without a work permit).

The public policy takes effect on January 2, 2020 and will be closing in two years on January 1, 2022 or sooner if a cap of 500 principal applicants is fulfilled. It is important to prepare in advance and to submit a complete application as soon as possible. Applications can also be filed prior to January 2, 2020 until the cap is reached.