One case in the group: an applicant's study permit was rejected because they were applying from a country (Kuwait) where they held a work permit, rather than from their home country. The visa officer's rejection cited concern that the applicant couldn't return to Kuwait after studies, since their work permit there would have expired — which raised doubts about their intent to leave Canada at the end of their studies.
Key issue: when you apply for a study permit from a third country (not your home country and not Canada), officers scrutinize your ties even more closely, because your right to return to that third country may be temporary or tied to a work/residence permit that could lapse.
What group members suggested to strengthen an application in this situation:- Document strong ties to your actual home country — not just the country you're currently living/working in. This includes family relationships, property or other assets, and concrete future plans (e.g., a job or business you intend to return to).
- Address the residency-cap risk directly in your personal statement. If your study plan involves staying in Canada continuously, consider explicitly addressing how you'll manage compliance with any home-country or third-country residency requirements — for example, one member suggested that visiting the country you're currently based in at the end of each semester (to maintain a 6-month residence cap, if applicable) could support your case.
Takeaway: if you're applying from a country other than your home country, lean heavily on ties to your actual home country in your documents and personal statement, and proactively explain how you'll manage any residency obligations elsewhere.