Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)

Understanding Designated Learning Institutions

Everything you need to know about DLIs in Canada

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a post-secondary education institution in Canada approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students on study permits. Only students accepted by a DLI-approved institution can apply for a valid study permit to study in Canada.

Each province and territory maintains its own list of approved DLIs. An institution must meet specific criteria including academic quality, financial stability, and student support services to be designated.

Study Permit Requirement

You can only apply for a Canadian study permit if your school is designated. Studying at a non-DLI institution makes you ineligible for a study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The institution and program must be PGWP-eligible, and you must meet the language and field-of-study rules.

PR Pathway

Canadian work experience through PGWP can lead to permanent residence through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

How to Verify if Your Institution is Designated

Official IRCC verification tool

To check if your desired institution is a designated learning institution:

Visit the IRCC website at www.canada.ca/DLI
Use the DLI Search Tool to filter by institution name, province, or city
Verify the institution's DLI Number (a letter followed by digits, for example O19...)
Check the expiry date of DLI status
Confirm the institution is on the current active list

Important: Always verify before accepting an admission offer.

Designated Learning Institutions by Province

Explore DLI options across Canada's provinces and territories

Ontario (Largest Hub)

Ontario has the most DLIs in Canada with 140+ approved institutions including prestigious universities and colleges.

British Columbia

80+ DLIs including UBC, Simon Fraser University, and renowned colleges. Strong focus on STEM programs.

Quebec

70+ DLIs including McGill and Concordia universities. Note: Different rules apply for international students.

Alberta

60+ DLIs with strong universities and vocational training centers.

Manitoba

35+ DLIs including University of Winnipeg and Red River College. Smaller market with more personalized support.

Other Provinces

Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and other provinces have 20-40+ DLIs each. Check provincial education ministry websites.

Types of Designated Learning Institutions

Different education pathways in Canada

DLI Categories

Universities

Offer bachelor's degrees, master's programs, and doctorates. Usually 2-4 year programs. PGWP duration: up to 3 years for programs of 2 years or more, and for eligible master's programs of at least 8 months.

Colleges

Provide diploma and certificate programs, often practical and career-focused. Usually 2-3 year programs. PGWP duration: up to the program length for programs under 2 years, and up to 3 years for programs of 2 years or more (non-degree college programs must also be in an eligible field of study if the study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024).

Private Career Colleges

Vocational training programs in specialized fields. Only certain private colleges are designated. Verify DLI status carefully.

Language Schools

May be designated if approved by provincial authorities. Language-only programs may not be PGWP-eligible. Check before enrolling.

UniversityPGWP Eligible

Location: Calgary, Alberta | Energy sector focus | Growing Indian student community

Understanding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Work in Canada after your studies

PGWP Eligible Programs

Programs must be at least 8 months long and full-time. Must be completed at a PGWP-eligible DLI. Applicants need CLB 7 (university programs) or CLB 5 (college programs) in a language test, and non-degree programs must be in an eligible field of study if the study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024.

Non-Eligible Programs

Language-only programs and programs shorter than 8 months are typically not PGWP-eligible. Check your program's eligibility.

PGWP Duration

Programs under 2 years can receive a PGWP up to the program length. Programs of 2 years or more can receive up to 3 years. The minimum program length is 8 months.

How to Find Your Institution's DLI Number

Required for your study permit application

Your DLI number is a code that starts with a letter followed by a long string of digits (for example O19...) and appears on your Letter of Acceptance. Steps to find it:

Check your acceptance letter: DLI number should be listed clearly
Contact the institution: Email admissions or international student office
Search IRCC website: Use the DLI search tool at canada.ca
Verify on acceptance letter: Use your DLI number to confirm designation status

What if Your Institution's DLI Status is Revoked?

Understanding changes in designation status

Institutions can lose DLI status if they fail to comply with requirements. If this happens to your school:

Active students: Usually have grace period to complete studies and obtain PGWP
New applicants: Cannot receive study permit approval for non-DLI institutions
Transfer option: May transfer credits to another DLI institution
Reapplication: May reapply if institution regains DLI status

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about DLIs and study permits

Do I need a study permit if my institution is DLI-designated?

Yes, you still need to apply for a study permit separately. DLI designation means your institution is eligible to accept international students, but you must submit your own application with proof of acceptance, proof of funds, and other required documents.

Can I study at a non-DLI institution?

You cannot get a valid study permit for a non-DLI institution. Some exceptions apply for K-12, but for post-secondary education, DLI designation is mandatory.

What's the difference between a university and college DLI?

Universities offer degree programs and research opportunities while colleges focus on practical, career-oriented diplomas and certificates. Both can be DLI-designated. Choose based on your career goals.

How long is a PGWP valid?

A PGWP needs a program of at least 8 months. For programs under 2 years, validity can match the program length. Programs of 2 years or more can get up to 3 years, and an eligible master's program of at least 8 months can also get 3 years. You can work anywhere in Canada during this period.

Are language programs at DLIs eligible for PGWP?

Language-only programs are generally not PGWP-eligible. However, if you complete a DLI-eligible academic program, you'll get PGWP for the academic program.

Can I use PGWP to apply for Express Entry?

Canadian work experience through a PGWP can help you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry or for provincial nominee programs, depending on the skill level of the job and current rules. A PGWP does not guarantee permanent residence.

How do I verify an institution's DLI status before applying?

Visit www.canada.ca/DLI and use the official search tool. Enter the institution name or province to see the current approved list. Always verify before paying tuition fees.

What happens if my school loses DLI status while I'm studying?

Active students typically get a grace period to complete their studies. Contact IRCC immediately and explore options like transferring to another DLI. IRCC may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Are private colleges in Canada DLI-designated?

Some private colleges are DLI-designated, but not all. You must verify through the IRCC search tool. Only attend private institutions that have confirmed DLI status. Verify the DLI number on your acceptance letter against the official list.