Ties to Home Country

Official Definition

Evidence that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay: family, work, property, or other obligations in their country of residence, and plans there that the programme serves.

What IRCC Officers Look For

Under section 216 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer issues a study permit only if satisfied the applicant will leave Canada by the end of the authorized stay, among other conditions. The factors IRCC refusal letters name include family ties in Canada and in your country of residence, your personal assets and financial situation, your current employment and prospects, and the purpose of the visit, including whether the programme is reasonable given your background and plans.

Strong ties are specific: a job held open or a job offer for after the programme, property or a business at home, family obligations, and proof of the career path the programme leads to there. Generic letters without specifics are weak.

Having relatives in Canada, or a plan to stay after studying, does not by itself rule out a study permit, but the application has to show a credible temporary purpose. A document that supports your study plan's account of what you will do afterwards is especially useful.

Evidence Strength

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: employment letter (job held open or return offer), property or business documents, proof of family obligations, and proof of the career path the programme leads to at home.