A Designated Learning Institution, referred to as DLI, is a school that welcomes international students. An acceptance letter from a DLI is a crucial requirement for acquiring a Canadian study permit.
All elementary and high schools across Canada hold DLI status. However, post-secondary institutions need provincial government authorization to admit international students.
If your goal is to pursue post-secondary education in Canada, ensure that your chosen school and program appear on the list of recognized Canadian DLIs.
For those aspiring to remain in Canada after completing their studies, it's vital to choose a DLI that enables eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Every post-secondary institution that accepts international students is assigned a distinct DLI number. This DLI number, which commences with the letter "O," is easily located on the study permit application form.
If you're planning to study in Canada as an international student, it's crucial to verify that your chosen educational institution is listed among the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). You can refer to this link to access the compilation of Canadian designated learning institutions.
It's worth noting that schools with multiple campuses or smaller colleges might possess distinct DLI numbers for each location.
Schools are not permitted to accept international students if they do not have the DLI designation granted by their provincial or territorial authority.
Submitting a study permit application for a non-DLI school will lead to its rejection. If the school you are enrolled in loses its DLI status, you can continue your studies until your study permit's expiration date. Alternatively, you may choose to transfer to another accredited DLI.
In Canada, all primary and secondary schools hold the status of DLIs. These institutions, found in most provinces, offer education spanning from Grade One to Grade Twelve. Upon completion of secondary school, students receive their high school diplomas.
Notably, dependent minor children do not require a separate study permit. If you're arriving in Canada with minor children under a work or study permit, they are eligible to attend school without the need for an additional study permit application.
In Canada, the responsibility of recognizing schools that admit international students at the post-secondary level falls on each province or territory. The roster of Designated Learning Institutions encompasses a range of establishments: private career colleges, colleges, universities, CEGEPs, vocational & language schools. There are, however, exceptions when it comes to certain colleges in Quebec. These institutions have been designated by the provincial government but lack a DLI number.
Outlined below are three compelling reasons to consider Designated Learning Institutions in Canada:
Oversight by Federal Government or Accredited Agencies:
DLI colleges in Canada operate under the oversight of either the federal government or authorized agencies. This ensures a structured and regulated educational environment.
Adherence to Provincial Standards:
These institutions strictly adhere to all provincial regulations required to deliver high-quality higher education in Canada. This commitment guarantees that students receive an education that meets established standards.
Globally Recognized Credentials:
Degrees and diplomas earned from DLI colleges in Canada carry worldwide recognition. The educational quality and reputation of these institutions contribute to the credibility of the qualifications obtained, enhancing career prospects on a global scale.
Step one involves securing admission into a Canadian school or a designated learning institution. Once armed with an acceptance letter, you can proceed to apply for a study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Issuance of a study permit is contingent on your acceptance to a Canadian school. However, if you're pursuing post-secondary studies, you have the flexibility to change schools, programs, fields of study, or levels of study without necessitating a new study permit.
Once you've been accepted into your desired program for transfer, simply inform IRCC about your school change. This can be accomplished conveniently online through your MyCIC account.
Follow these easy steps to find out your institution's approval status:
Step 1: Go to the government organization's website, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 2: Decide which province or territory your college or university is located in.
Step 3: Type specific information into the search field, including your school's name, its location in a city, and any other relevant details.
Step 4: Write down the provided DLI number so you can reference it when filling out the "Details of Intention to Study in Canada" section of your study permit application.
If you're an international student in Canada with a valid study permit, you can make changes to your level of study, institution, or program. Depending on the type of change, you might need to inform the immigration authority, apply for a new study permit, or extend your existing one.
Here’s how to update:
If you're a foreign student in Canada and wish to change your school or level of study, here's a simple process to follow:
Changing Levels of Study:
Transferring to a Quebec School:
Changing a DLI (Designated Learning Institution):
By following these steps, you ensure that you comply with the necessary regulations when changing your educational institution or level of study in Canada.