Designated Learning Institutions in Canada (DLIs)

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institution in Canada authorised to enrol international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

In most cases, international students wishing to study at a post-secondary institution in Canada must provide aLetter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) when applying for a Canadian study permit or to qualify for a PGWP.

Overview

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institution that may admit international students (people who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents). To apply for astudy permit in Canada, you need a letter of acceptance from a DLI. If you intend to stay in Canada after completing your programme and apply for aPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), choosing the right institution and programme is essential, since only certain DLIs make you eligible for that permit.

Applicants must provide the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #) of the institution they have chosen. The DLI number begins with the letter “O” on the study permit application form.

Exceptions

In some cases, students are exempt from providing a letter from a Designated Learning Institution or a DLI number with their application. These cases may include, but are not limited to:

• Students attending primary or secondary schools. These schools are designated automatically and do not issue a DLI number.
• Family members of a foreign national whose work permit or study permit application was approved in writing before that foreign national entered Canada. In this case, the family member may be issued an open study permit.
• Certain institutions in Quebec that are designated by the provincial government but do not have their own DLI number.

Where an institution loses its designation

Institutions can sometimes lose their designated status. Depending on when this happens, international students may be affected.

• If a person applies for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from an institution that is not a Designated Learning Institution, the study permit application will be refused.
• If a person applies for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from a designated institution, but that institution loses its designated status before the study permit is issued, the student has three options:
  • Withdraw the application;
  • Submit a letter of acceptance from another designated institution;
  • Do nothing, in which case the application will be processed on the information provided and will be refused.
• If a person is issued a study permit for a DLI and that institution loses its designated status after the permit is issued, the student has two options:
  • Transfer to another DLI;
  • Continue studying at the non-designated institution until the study permit expires. In this case, the study permit is unlikely to be extended for the non-designated institution.

Search

You can search for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) on the Government of Canada website athere.