What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.

Why do I need DLI Number?
Applicants must provide the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #) for their school of choice. The DLI number is the number that begins with the letter “O” on the study permit application form.

In certain cases, students may be exempt from providing a letter from a DLI, or from providing a DLI number in their application. These cases may include, but are not limited to:

• Students at a primary or secondary institution. These schools are all automatically designated, and no DLI number is provided.
• A family member of a foreign national whose application for a work permit or a study permit is approved in writing before the foreign national enters Canada. In this case, the family member may obtain an open study permit.
• Some institutions in Quebec are designated by the provincial government, but do not have a unique DLI number.

Sometimes, institutions may lose their designated status. Depending on when the status is lost, the international student may be affected.

• If an individual submits an application for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from an institution that is not a DLI, the study permit application is refused.
• If an individual submits an application for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from a DLI, but the institution loses its designated status before the study permit can be issued, the student has three options. He or she may:
  • Withdraw the application;
  • Submit a letter of acceptance from a different DLI;
  • Do nothing, in which case the application will be processed according to the information provided. The application will therefore be refused.
• If an individual receives a study permit for a DLI, and the institution loses its designated status after the study permit is issued, the student has two options. He or she may:
  • Transfer to another DLI;
  • Continue studying at the non-designated institution until his or her study permit expires. In this case, the study permit may not be renewed for the non-designated institution.

Post-graduation work permit
You need to know if you are eligible to work after you graduate. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Along with graduating from an eligible designated learning institution, you need to meet all other criteria to get a post-graduation work permit.

The list below will let you know if your designated learning institution offers programs that will make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

How we can help?
GTR Immigration Inc are here to provide immigration services for student who is looking to have a study permit in Canada. Our specialists will make an assessment base on your education background and find an excellent schools base on your interested.

If you are excited about the opportunity, please give us a call at:
(306) 500-1704 (Regina Office)
1 (306) 500-1712 (Saskatoon Office)
1 (306) 550-4819 (Whatsapp)

Our office location:
Saskatoon Office
CIBC Building Unit # 313
201, 21st St East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0B8, Canada

Regina Office
RBC Building Unit #760, 7th Floor
2010 11th Ave, Regina S4P 0J3, Canada