Designated Learning Institution in Canada: Master List and DLIs Number

Before becoming an international student at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you need to be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Once you are accepted, you can then apply for a study permit from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

As of June 1, 2014, prospective international post-secondary students are required to provide a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution when applying for their Canadian study permit. 

This brings us to the questions – What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)? And how do you know the Canadian school you are aiming for is a Designated Learning Institution? You are just about to find out!

This article also contains a complete list of the Designated Learning Institution in Canada, arranged according to province/territory. So, you can check effortlessly. Read on!

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What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that the provincial government approves to admit international students. To apply for a study permit in Canada, you will need to provide a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution DLI and include their DLI number. 

As an international student, if you apply for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from a non-DLI school, your study permit application will be refused by IRCC.  

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated, so you don’t need to include the DLI number if you are applying to one. But if you are coming to study in Canada at the post-secondary level, ensure that the post-secondary institution you select is on the Canadian designated learning institution list. 

What if the school you are studying at loses its DLI status? In this case, you can remain at the school and continue your studies till your study permit expires. You also have the option of transferring to another DLI.

If you want to stay in Canada and work after graduation, make sure that the DLI you select offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

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Designated Learning Institution Number

Every post-secondary institution that accepts international students has a unique DLI number. Schools with various campuses may have a different DLI number for each campus location.

The DLI number starts with the letter “O” and most DLI’s in Canada will typically include this information in your admission offer letter.

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Changing Programs within a Designated Learning Institution

You can change your degree program within the same DLI without contacting IRCC or changing your study permit as long as it doesn’t affect the conditions on your study permit and the new program doesn’t have a longer duration. Otherwise, you’ll need to update IRCC of the changes and apply to extend your study permit, if applicable.

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Transferring From One Designated Learning Institution to Another

A foreign national does not need a new study permit when transferring institutions within the same study level. But, they’ll have to notify IRCC of the change. The new school also has to be a Designated Learning Institution. 

If the transfer is from an institution outside Quebec to an institution in the province of Quebec, you will need to obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). The reason is Quebec has unique requirements for international students. 

Note that some Quebec institutions do not have a unique Designated Learning Institution Number (DLI #) even though the provincial government designates them.

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How to Change a Designated Learning Institution

You can change your DLI as long as you are still meeting your study permit conditions. You’ll need: 

• An online MyCIC account. You would need to create one and link your application if your last study permit application was submitted through mail. 
• The new school’s DLI number. Check the Designated Learning Institution list below to confirm the DLI number. 
• Your new student ID number. This will be on the acceptance letter the new school sends you. 
• The date you’ll start at your new school.
• Your study permit number. This is typically at the top right of the study permit, and it starts with the letter ‘S.’ 

Once you have all these documents, you can begin the process to change your DLI and follow the following steps: 

1. Sign in to your online account
2. Locate the “Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer” section and click “Transfer from the DLI number“. 
3. Input your study permit application number and click on the “Search for my application” button.
4. Enter more information about your original study permit application. 
5. Add your new DLI number, new Student ID number, and your new schools start date. Then click “Submit transfer”.
6. Review your details and click “Confirm Transfer”.
7. You will get a notification that your transfer is complete. indicates you have informed the Canadian government of your intention to change DLIs. 

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Cases Where a DLI Number is Not Required

In certain situations, a student may not be required to provide a letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), or from providing a DLI number in their IRCC application. Some of such situations are:

• Some institutions in Quebec are designated by the provincial government, but do not have a unique DLI number.
• Students at a primary or secondary school. These educational institutions are all automatically designated, therefore a DLI number is not required.
  Note: Dependent minor children do not need a study permit. If you have minor children and are coming to Canada on a work or study permit, they will be eligible to attend school. There is no need to apply for a separate study permit.
• A family member of a foreign national whose application for a study permit or work permit is approved in writing before the foreign national enters Canada. In this situation, the family member may obtain an open study permit.

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What Happens When an Institution Loses Its Designated Learning Institution Status?

When an institution loses its DLI status, international students may be affected. It, however, depends on the time it happens. 

Suppose a prospective student submits a study permit application with a letter of acceptance from a DLI, but the school loses its DLI status before the study permit was issued. In this case, the individual can take one of these steps:

• Do nothing. The application will be processed based on the information provided and will be refused;
• Withdraw the application;
• Submit a different letter of acceptance from another DLI.

If a prospective student receives a study permit for a DLI, and the institution loses its DLI status after the study permit is issued, the individual can take one of these steps:

• Continue studying at the non-designated institution until the study permit expires. However, the study permit may not be renewed after expiration for the non-designated institution;
• Transfer to a DLI.

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Designated Learning Institution List

Below is a constantly updated list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The list is arranged by the provinces/territories currently allowed to receive international students in Canada and you will also find the DLI number for each institution.

This master list also indicates if the DLI offers programs that will make you qualified for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

* We strive to keep this list updated. However, for real-time updates, visit IRCC’s designated learning institution list.

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Designated Learning Institution, Canada – Approved COVID-19 Readiness Plans For International Students

As of October 20, 2020; an international student attending a Designated Learning Institution can travel to Canada despite the coronavirus travel restrictions. However, before they can be allowed into the country, the student must be attending a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the provincial government.

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FAQs on Designated Learning Institution

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