Applying for a study permit from a country you're currently living in (rather than your home country of citizenship) is possible, but the group flagged real risk depending on where exactly you apply from.
What group members advised:- Non-SDS applications from certain Visa Application Centres carry higher rejection risk. One member specifically called out Abu Dhabi as having a reputation for higher rejection rates for non-Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications.
- Applying from your home country (e.g., India) is generally viewed as safer, since visa officers may weigh ties to your country of citizenship and residence history differently than a third-country application.
- A stronger academic profile helps offset the risk. If applying from abroad, members suggested applying for a Master's program specifically and making sure the overall profile (finances, ties, academic history) is very strong to improve approval odds.
- Family circumstances matter too — with a spouse and a 7-year-old child accompanying, officers will look closely at ties and intent to return, so be prepared to clearly document your family's situation and plans.
Because visa office-specific rejection patterns shift over time, treat the Abu Dhabi comment as anecdotal rather than a fixed rule, and consult current IRCC processing data or a licensed consultant for the latest read on your specific visa office.