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AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR OUT OF STATUS CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ANNOUNCED

By Atty. Henry Moyal

The construction industry has never been more busy and is facing significant labor shortages. Finally, Canada Immigration has recognized the shortage of skilled workers in this trade and has taken steps to alleviate the shortage especially due to the vulnerability of this undocumented population. The need to keep the construction industry going is so important and dire that for the first time Canada Immigration is specifically stating that applicants who are illegal in Canada can and should apply for permanent residence under this unique category.

The temporary public policy that allows out of status workers permanent residence is valid to January 2, 2023.

The following are the eligibility requirements for the main applicant:

1. Must have legally entered Canada as a temporary resident – as long as the main applicant first entered Canada with a valid visa ( any type). Entering undocumented and secretly at a land border would disqualify the applicant.

1. Has continuously resided in Canada for at least five years on the date of their application;

1. Working illegally in the construction industry in the GTA ( defined as:  City of Toronto, Durham Region, Halton Region, Peel Region, York Region) and has accumulated at least three years full-time work experience within the past five years in construction in the GTA

1. Has family living in Canada (mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or cousin) living in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or has a spouse, common-law partner or child in Canada;

1. Has a referral letter signed by the Canadian Labor Congress attesting that the applicant meets the above eligibility conditions

*** In other IRCC news this week, Canada Immigration has announced that all processing fees for permanent residence will increase on April 30, 2022. In particular, government processing fees for caregivers applying for permanent residence or sponsorship applications will increase to $570 ( from $550) for adults and to $155 ( from $150) for children. Fees for PNP or Federal skilled workers will increase to $850 ( from $825) for adults and $230 for children (from $225). The Right of Permanent Residence Fee of Landing Fee will increase for every person to $515 ( from $500).

Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario.
The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document.
Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or call 416 733 3193