OTTAWA – The latest terror suspect arrested in the United States did not enter that country from Canada.

That’s according to the federal government.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told a news conference today that the Tunisian-born man, who had been studying here, was back home visiting his native country when Canadian authorities were made aware of his suspected terrorist links.

He said the man’s Canadian study permit was not renewed.

Ahmed Abassi was arrested last month in the U.S. and accused of planning an “act of international terrorism.” He is accused of having ties to one of the two men accused of plotting an attack on a passenger train in Ontario. He has pleaded not guilty.

Laval University in Quebec City held a brief news conference today regarding its former student.

The news conference consisted of the university rector reading a 48-second statement in French, repeating it in English, and saying there would be no further comment.

He said Laval University is co-operating with authorities in the investigation.