The resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sparked intense discussion among immigration experts regarding the future of international students there. Many experts see Trudeau’s tenure from 2015 to 2023 as a golden age for international students, especially Indians, who benefited greatly from liberal immigration policies.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), about 1.3 million Indian students received study permits between 2015 and 2024. In 2015, only 31,920 Indian students had study permits, which is 14.5% of the total international student population. By 2023, this number will increase to 278,250, accounting for 40.7% of the total international student population.
However, new measures introduced by the Canadian government, such as limiting the number of international students and tightening study permit processes, have led to a 4% decline in Indian students receiving study permits in 2024. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who in his 20s already had a roadmap for Canada, criticized Trudeau’s handling of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, saying “the government destroyed the TFW program. Has given.”
Poilievre plans to preserve the program for the agricultural sector, but stop temporary foreign workers where they are taking jobs from Canadians. He has also criticized Trudeau’s decision to reduce immigration levels, saying, “Trudeau’s last-minute pre-election counterattack cannot be trusted. He can’t fix the immigration system he broke.” Is.”
With Poilievre likely to become a major player in the upcoming election, his promises on immigration are expected to be a key issue. He has promised to restore Canada’s once effective immigration system and ensure that it is better managed in the future. If Poilievre takes office, international students may face challenges with access to health care, jobs and housing, making it harder to obtain permits to study in Canada.
Potential changes in Canada’s immigration policies under Poilievre’s leadership could have a significant impact on Indian students and immigrants. With Poilievre’s proposal to link immigration rates to job availability, health care and housing, it could become more challenging for Indians to obtain study permits or permanent residence. Eligibility criteria for work programs may also be modified, reducing the possibility of permanent residence.
The increased competition for admission into Canadian universities and colleges may also pose a challenge for Indian students. With the government planning to limit the number of international students, Indian students may face stiff competition for the limited number of places. Additionally, tightening study permit processes could lead to longer processing times and stricter eligibility criteria, making it harder for Indian students to pursue their educational goals in Canada.
Additionally, Poilievre’s plan to “stop temporary foreign workers where they are taking jobs from Canadians” could also affect Indian immigrants working in Canada. This could lead to a reduction in job opportunities for Indian immigrants, making it difficult for them to support themselves and their families. Overall, potential changes to Canada’s immigration policies under Poilievre’s leadership could pose significant challenges for Indian immigrants and students seeking to make a new life in Canada.
