Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)

Overview

Before you pay a deposit or book flights, confirm that your school is a designated learning institution (DLI). For most study permit applicants, enrolment at a DLI is a core IRCC eligibility requirement.

This guide explains what designation means, how to check the list, and why DLI status is not the same as post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility.

Common situations

Choosing a college or university

Search IRCC’s DLI list by province and school name. Save the DLI number for your application forms and compare it to your letter of acceptance.

Primary or secondary school

IRCC states that all primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated. Still confirm any provincial enrolment rules that apply to your child.

Planning for a PGWP later

DLI status is necessary for most study permits, but not sufficient for a PGWP. Program length, field-of-study rules (where applicable), and institution type all matter. See PGWP Eligibility.

Changing schools in Canada

School-change rules tightened. As of January 22, 2025, changing DLIs often requires a new study permit application and a new PAL/TAL. Confirm on IRCC before you switch.

What is a designated learning institution?

A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. IRCC publishes the list and DLI numbers online.

If a post-secondary school is not on the list, you generally cannot get a study permit to attend that school as an international student (subject to limited exceptions IRCC may publish).

How to check the IRCC DLI list

1. Open IRCC’s Designated learning institutions list.
2. Select the province or territory.
3. Find your school and note the DLI number.
4. Confirm the campus or program notes, if any appear on the list.
5. Use that exact DLI number on your study permit forms.

School websites sometimes lag behind IRCC. When the two disagree, treat IRCC’s list as the immigration source of truth.

DLI vs study permit vs PGWP

Admission to a DLI does not guarantee a study permit. A study permit does not guarantee a PGWP.

If a school loses designation

IRCC publishes instructions for students affected when an institution loses DLI status. Timelines and options (such as transferring) are fact-specific. Read the official page promptly if you receive a notice from IRCC or your school.

Application steps

1. Confirm DLI status and DLI number on IRCC.
2. Obtain a letter of acceptance that matches that school.
3. Check PAL/TAL or CAQ requirements for the province.
4. If PGWP matters to you, verify program eligibility before you enrol.
5. Keep screenshots or notes of the DLI list entry with your application records.

Common mistakes

• Assuming every Canadian school can host international students
• Using an outdated DLI number from an old brochure
• Confusing DLI status with PGWP eligibility
• Changing schools without checking new study permit and PAL/TAL rules
• Paying large deposits before confirming immigration fundamentals

Related guides

• Study Permit Requirements
• PAL/TAL Requirements
• PGWP Eligibility
• Study Permit Document Checklist

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

• Confirmed the school appears on IRCC’s current DLI list
• Recorded the DLI number for your application forms
• Checked whether the program is eligible for a study permit
• Reviewed PGWP eligibility for the DLI and program if you plan to work after graduation
• Confirmed PAL/TAL or CAQ requirements for that province
• Verified LOA details match the DLI named on IRCC’s list

Frequently asked questions

What is a DLI?

A designated learning institution is a school that a province or territory has approved to host international students. IRCC publishes the list online with DLI numbers.

Do primary and secondary schools need DLI designation?

IRCC states that all primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated. Post-secondary schools must appear on the DLI list.

Is every DLI eligible for a PGWP?

No. Post-graduation work permit eligibility depends on additional program and institution rules. Check IRCC’s PGWP pages before you enrol.

What if my school loses designation?

IRCC publishes guidance for students whose institution loses DLI status. You may need to transfer or take other steps within stated timelines. Confirm on the live IRCC page.

Do I need the DLI number on my application?

Yes. Study permit forms ask for the DLI number. Use the number from IRCC’s list that matches your school.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Study Permit Requirements
• PGWP Eligibility
• PAL/TAL Requirements

References

1. Designated learning institutions list
2. Who can apply (eligibility)
3. Study permit overview
4. Work after graduation (PGWP)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.