An applicant with two science degrees, a strong IELTS (8.5 overall), and unbroken work experience received two SDS study-permit refusals for a PG Project Management program — both with the generic "not satisfied you will leave Canada" reason. This was a 2022 thread, when refusal rates and processing backlogs were unusually high (historical context). What members advised:
- Order GCMS notes after a refusal — but expect delays. The applicant had requested GCMS notes via CBSA and ATIP notes via IRCC. Members endorsed this as the right move to learn the real refusal reasons, while noting responses were taking months.
- Scrutinize academic progression. The most substantive diagnosis: a Microbiology/Biosciences graduate applying for a Project Management diploma may look like weak academic progression to an officer. If the course looks irrelevant to your background, the SOP must explicitly bridge the gap — in this case, the applicant's actual project-management work experience needed to be front and centre.
- A quick second refusal can mean an early-stage rejection. Members observed the second application was refused before biometrics/medicals were even updated, suggesting the file never got a deep review — another reason to see the GCMS notes before reapplying rather than guessing.
- A professionally rewritten SOP alone may not fix a progression problem. The applicant had strengthened the SOP between attempts and was still refused; members' focus stayed on course-to-profile fit rather than SOP polish.
Takeaway: with a strong profile and repeated "will not leave Canada" refusals, get the officer's notes first, then fix the specific weakness — usually the link between your history and the chosen program — before spending on a third attempt.