The resignation of Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister has raised concerns about the future of international students, particularly those from India, who benefitted from his liberal immigration policies. During Trudeau’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that 1.3 million Indian students received study permits.
In 2015, only 31,920 Indian students had study permits, accounting for 14.5% of all international students. By 2023, this number had surged to 278,250, representing 40.7% of the international student population.
Recently, however, before resignation of Justin Trudeau, the Canadian government introduced caps on international student numbers and stricter requirements for study permits, leading to a 4% decrease in Indian students with study permits in 2024.
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader and frontrunner to become the next Prime Minister, has criticized Trudeau’s handling of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. According to the media, Poilievre claimed that Trudeau “ruined” the program and argued that he “cannot fix the immigration system that he broke.” Poilievre has also expressed intentions to prioritize Canadian workers over hiring temporary foreign workers, as reported by The media.
Poilievre’s proposed immigration policy changes could significantly impact Indian students and immigrants. By tying immigration rates to job availability, healthcare, and housing, it may become more challenging for Indian nationals to obtain study permits or permanent residency.
Tirath Singh, an immigration consultant from Jalandhar-based Immigration, shared with media that the new policies could have positive aspects. “The recent changes aim to attract serious students who want to study and work in fields Canada needs. For those with genuine intentions, these policies offer stability and long-term opportunities,” Singh explained, adding that Canada would continue to depend on migrants to support its economy.
Singh also highlighted that while the policy shifts might seem restrictive, they are designed to ensure that the influx of students aligns with Canada’s labor market needs. He emphasized that sectors like healthcare, technology, and engineering, which are currently experiencing workforce shortages, would still welcome skilled international graduates.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding future immigration policies and amid resignation of Justin Trudeau, Singh reassured that Indian students with clear career goals and a commitment to contributing to Canada’s economy would still find opportunities. “The government is not closing its doors but rather refining its approach to ensure mutual benefit,” he stated.
Educational institutions in Canada have also expressed mixed reactions. Some universities and colleges are concerned about potential declines in international student enrollment, which could impact their revenue and diversity on campus. Others see this as an opportunity to focus on quality over quantity, attracting students who are genuinely interested in long-term integration into Canadian society.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups are urging the Canadian government to provide clearer guidelines and support systems for international students. They argue that while it’s essential to manage immigration effectively, it should not come at the cost of alienating a valuable and motivated student population that contributes significantly to the country’s cultural and economic fabric.
As the political landscape evolves, international students, particularly from India, are watching closely to see how these proposed changes will unfold and affect their prospects in Canada.
