Highlights: Canada offering study permit exemptions for apprentice programs in 20+ occupations
- IRCC is now allowing some temporary foreign workers to enrol in apprenticeship programs without study permit.
- Foreign construction workers would need a valid work permit and a job offer in relevant occupation.
- The applicant must also have an apprenticeship agreement for the work mentioned in the job offer.
- Occupations like construction managers, electrical mechanics and industrial electricians are eligible.
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Canada Study Permit Exemption for Apprentices
On March 07, 2025, IRCC stated that some temporary foreign workers associated with the construction industry would be eligible for apprentice programs in Canada without requiring a Canadian study permit. Candidates would be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Must have a valid work permit
- Must have a valid job offer in an eligible construction job role
- Must have an agreement of apprenticeship with an employer
The apprenticeship agreement has to be registered with the relevant territorial or provincial authority, and the foreign worker must meet the eligibility criteria at all times.
Note: IRCC has also announced that this temporary policy would remain effective till February 26, 2027.
Which occupations qualify for study permit exemption?
The following construction occupations are eligible for the new study permit exemption:
|
NOC Code |
Occupation |
|
72320 |
Bricklayers |
|
72311 |
Cabinetmakers |
|
72310 |
Carpenters |
|
22300 |
Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
|
21300 |
Civil engineers |
|
73100 |
Concrete finishers |
|
22303 |
Construction estimators |
|
70010 |
Construction managers |
|
72400 |
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
|
72422 |
Electrical mechanics |
|
72200 |
Electricians (except industrial and power system) |
|
73113 |
Floor covering installers |
|
72402 |
Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics |
|
72401 |
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
|
70011 |
Home building and renovation managers |
|
72201 |
Industrial electricians |
|
73112 |
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) |
|
72300 |
Plumbers |
|
73110 |
Roofers and shinglers |
|
72102 |
Sheet metal workers |
|
72501 |
Water well drillers |
|
72106 |
Welders and related machine operators |
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How to apply for the apprentice program?
The steps to apply for the apprenticeship program without requiring a study permit are listed below:
Step 1: Submit a request including “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the explanation box
Step 2: Wait for a letter of authorization
Step 3: Fly to Canada upon successful application
The letter of authorization issued to successful applicants would be valid till the expiry of the work permit and the expiry or revocation of the public policy.
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