Canada Opens Doors to Trade Apprentices – No Study Permit Required

As of February 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is offering a new temporary exemption for foreign workers in the construction sector. Under this public policy, individuals who meet specific criteria may study in an apprenticeship program without needing a study permit. This initiative will remain in effect for two years, ending on February 26, 2027.

To qualify for this exemption, applicants must meet all the following conditions at the time of
submission and decision:

• Hold a valid Canadian work permit
• Have a job in an eligible construction occupation
• Have an apprenticeship agreement that is formally registered with the provincial or territorial

apprenticeship and certification authority

The policy applies to a defined list of construction trades, organized by the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) system. These occupations are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021:

✔ TEER 0
NOC 70010 – Construction managers
NOC 70011 – Home building and renovation managers

✔ TEER 1
NOC 21300 – Civil engineers

✔ TEER 2
NOC 22300 – Civil engineering technologists and technicians
NOC 22303 – Construction estimators
NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
NOC 72300 – Plumbers
NOC 72310 – Carpenters
NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
NOC 72501 – Water well drillers

✔ TEER 3
NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
NOC 73113 – Floor covering installersProvide complete and truthful information in your application.

To apply under this public policy, applicants must submit a request using the IRCC web form. Follow these steps:
1. Prepare your documents, including:

• Proof of a valid work permit
• Proof of employment in one of the eligible occupations
• A copy of the registered apprenticeship agreement

2. Access the IRCC Web Form

• Choose “Update or ask about your application”
• Select “Add a document to your application”

3. Enter the required details

• Provide your personal information
• Include your work permit number under “What is your application number?”
• Select:

What did you apply for?: Temporary Residence
What application did you submit?: Work Permit

• Include your UCI (Unique Client Identifier)
• In the "Tell us about your request" section:

Answer “Yes” to the document request
Write “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the explanation box
Describe each document you are uploading

4. Upload your documents

• Proof of employment in an eligible construction field
• The registered apprenticeship agreement

If You Cannot Use the Web Form
Applicants who are unable to submit online can call the IRCC Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., local time). You must:

• Mention that you are applying under the “Apprenticeship 25–27” exemption
• Provide your valid work permit number
• Update your contact information

If your request is approved, you will receive an authorization letter confirming your ability to study without a study permit. This letter will be valid until:

• The expiration of your work permit, or
• February 26, 2027 (or earlier if the policy is revoked)

You must show this letter to your school as proof of authorization.

If your request is refused, you will be notified in writing and will need to apply for a regular study permit if you still wish to pursue studies in Canada.