@Copingwithlife - I didn't find your comment very helpful. When I "do not understand" then I usually ask further questions before making any judgmental comments which do not add value to the conversation.
Just to clarify - we knew the rules before applying and my step-son doesn't want to "tag along" He is photographer and genuinely wants to study photography academically which isn't an option in his home country. Choosing Canada for higher studies where his family already resides is normal.
I think it's more of case of a broken system. It's anyone's guess how many students who study in Canada actually return to their home country. If they all were approved for their TRV visa, then I am not sure why someone who has strong ties should get their visa rejected!
I would also like to understand if they really want the students to go back then why do they promote students to study-live-work and then settle in Canada on the CIC website? They also approve the work permit to after completing the studies which discourages student to go back to their home country!
It's a well established fact that international students with canadian degree and exposure make the better candidates to be successful immigrants. Then why does the system forces them to pretend that they have every intention to go back? I feel having family in Canada is a positive point for international student because they will have better financial support which will avoid them working illegally on cash job (which is also a reality for some international students) And they will eventually make better candidates for immigration.
Also in my personal case, my step-son's visitor visa was also rejected once - that mean he wasn't allowed to visit his family in spite of having a well established business in home country with several high value business projects that he was expected to complete after returning.
I don't think TRV rules are aligned with the reality on the ground but FYI, I also don't expect them to make changes for cases like mine. We just have to deal with it.