Election Day in Canada: What’s at stake for international students and foreign workers?

Immigration is a major issue in Canada’s general elections today. The battle in Canada’s 2025 elections, being held on April 28, 2025, is between the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre.

In 2025, Canadians are voting on immigration, a crucial issue, especially for international students and foreign workers.

Canada has its multi-year Immigration Levels Plan with defined immigration targets carrying the annual admission numbers set by the federal government. The government’s 2025-2027 Levels Plan, published in October 2024, introduced temporary resident targets for international students and foreign workers.

Mark Carney of the Liberal Party has criticized the current immigration system and stated that immigration caps will remain until housing expansion is completed, while the party plans to maintain annual PR admissions below 1% of Canada’s population.

The Levels Plan aims for a PR target of 395,000 in 2025, which is less than 1% of Canada’s population, suggesting Carney and the Liberal Party will maintain the current immigration cap. Canada’s population in 2025 is estimated to be 41.5 million.

Pierre Poilievre of the Conservatives party has been critical of the incumbent regime. Conservatives’ party manifesto on immigration reads – Liberals’ record when it comes to immigration is one of failure, mismanagement, and backlogs that last for years. It is unacceptable that lives and careers have been put on hold and families have been kept apart for years because of Trudeau’s broken immigration system. Conservatives believe in a well-functioning immigration system that promotes family reunification and allows new immigrants to achieve their dreams.

The Conservative Party of Canada has proposed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the unchecked immigration surges that have strained housing, healthcare, and job markets. The Conservatives aim to rebuild an immigration system that benefits both newcomers and long-time residents, prioritizing Canadian needs and ensuring sustainable growth.

Canada’s immigration policies are under scrutiny by the Conservatives, who argue that the Liberals’ “reckless and unsustainable” surge has overwhelmed critical infrastructure.

The Conservatives promise to significantly cut the number of temporary foreign workers and international students, bringing levels closer to those of the Harper government.

The housing crisis in Canada, exacerbated by rising home prices and rental costs, is affecting many Canadians, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

The rise of temporary foreign workers and international students has raised concerns about wage suppression and job competition, especially in low-skill industries. The Conservative Party blames these problems on the Liberal government’s inability to match immigration numbers to Canada’s capability.

The foundation of the Conservative Party’s immigration platform is the unmistakable idea that immigration should benefit both newcomers and Canadians.

The Conservative platform aims to restore the immigration system by targeting fraud and abuse, including criminal background checks for student permits to ensure safety. Canadian lawbreakers on visitor visas will face swift removal, demonstrating a strong stance against criminal behavior.

The subject of fraudulent claims and visa overstays in Canada is disputed, with estimates indicating that thousands of people remain unlawfully in the nation.

It seems that the Conservative Party’s immigration promises will be tough for foreign workers and students. The international student community is also keeping a close eye on Canada’s 2025 election outcomes.