Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada
If you need a study permit to study in Canada, your school must generally be a designated learning institution. For post-secondary studies, applicants should verify the school, campus and program on IRCC's current DLI list before applying.
What Is a Designated Learning Institution?
A designated learning institution, commonly called a DLI, is a school that is authorized under Canada's international student framework to host international students.
For post-secondary institutions, designation is generally made by the province or territory where the school is located. The legal definition of a designated learning institution is set out in section 211.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
If a foreign national needs a study permit, the school they plan to attend must generally qualify as a DLI. A letter of acceptance from a school that does not meet the applicable DLI requirement will not establish eligibility for a study permit.
For post-secondary studies, do not rely only on a school's website or marketing material. Confirm the institution and relevant campus on IRCC's current DLI list before applying.
For the complete study permit framework, see Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide .
Why Does DLI Status Matter for a Study Permit?
DLI status is fundamental to most study permit applications because the applicant must have been accepted to an institution that is authorized to host international students.
IRCC states that an applicant needs a letter of acceptance from a DLI to apply for a study permit. For post-secondary study, applicants should confirm that the institution appears on IRCC's DLI list.
Under IRPR section 219, a study permit generally cannot be issued unless the required acceptance has been established. For an application naming a post-secondary DLI, the institution must confirm the applicant's acceptance to IRCC, subject to the applicable regulatory rules.
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Study permit application | The applicant generally needs acceptance from a DLI. |
| Post-secondary LOA | The DLI must confirm acceptance through IRCC's verification process. |
| Study permit conditions | The student must remain enrolled at the DLI named in the permit and actively pursue studies, subject to the applicable rules. |
| Changing post-secondary schools | A new study permit application is generally required before changing DLIs. |
| PGWP | DLI status alone does not make every school or program PGWP-eligible. |
How to Find a DLI in Canada
IRCC maintains the official list of post-secondary designated learning institutions. The list can be searched by province or territory, institution name, city and other identifying information.
When checking a post-secondary school, review more than the institution's name. Depending on the school, the IRCC list may identify specific campuses and other information relevant to the program.
Before accepting an offer
A prospective international student should verify:
- the exact institution name;
- the province or territory;
- the city and campus, where applicable;
- the DLI number;
- whether the intended program is eligible for a post-graduation work permit if a PGWP is part of the student's plans; and
- whether the institution offers a qualifying PAL/TAL-exempt graduate degree program, if relevant.
Finding the school on the DLI list is only one step. Immigration consequences can depend on the particular program, campus, level of study and other eligibility requirements.
What Is a DLI Number?
Post-secondary designated learning institutions have a DLI number used in the study permit process. IRCC's DLI list displays the number for each listed institution.
DLI numbers normally begin with the letter O. IRCC instructs applicants to enter the school's DLI number in the “Details of intended study in Canada” section of the study permit application.
The number should be taken from the official IRCC DLI list or checked against that list, rather than assumed from the institution's name.
Are Primary and Secondary Schools DLIs?
Yes. IRCC states that all primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
They are therefore not individually included in the post-secondary DLI list in the same way as colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions.
This distinction is important when searching the IRCC list. A parent should not conclude that a primary or secondary school is ineligible simply because its name does not appear in the searchable post-secondary list.
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. The searchable IRCC DLI list is particularly important for post-secondary institutions.
Does Studying at a DLI Make You Eligible for a PGWP?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions for international students.
A school can be a designated learning institution without every program at that school being eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
IRCC's DLI list separately identifies institutions that currently offer PGWP-eligible programs and provides information about eligible programs.
Even where a program is identified as PGWP-eligible, the student must independently meet the applicable PGWP requirements. These can include general eligibility rules and, depending on the program, requirements relating to language ability and field of study.
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| School is a DLI | The institution is designated to host international students under the applicable framework. |
| School offers PGWP-eligible programs | At least some programs may qualify, but the specific program must still be checked. |
| Program is identified as PGWP-eligible | The student must still satisfy all other applicable PGWP eligibility requirements. |
“DLI” and “PGWP-eligible” are not interchangeable terms. A student planning to work in Canada after graduation should check the specific program before committing to the school.
Public DLIs and PAL/TAL-Exempt Graduate Programs
IRCC's current DLI list also identifies public DLIs offering degree-granting graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels that fall within the current PAL/TAL exemption.
For applications made on or after January 1, 2026, applicants to qualifying degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter under the current federal rule.
The exemption does not mean that every program offered by a public institution is exempt. Applicants should confirm that the intended program is within the qualifying graduate category.
The applicant still needs the required letter of acceptance and must satisfy the other study permit requirements.
See PAL/TAL for Canada Study Permits for the attestation rules and exemptions.
How Does IRCC Verify a DLI Letter of Acceptance?
Post-secondary DLIs have a direct role in verifying letters of acceptance submitted with study permit applications.
Under IRPR section 222.1, a post-secondary DLI must use the electronic means made available or specified by the Minister to confirm, when requested, whether it accepted the foreign national to the course or program identified in the study permit application.
The regulations generally provide the DLI 10 days after IRCC's request to provide this confirmation, subject to any applicable extension under the Regulations.
Correspondingly, IRPR section 219 generally prevents issuance of a study permit for a post-secondary DLI unless the required confirmation has been provided.
This verification process is an important reason that applicants should ensure the LOA, program details and institution information in the application are accurate.
For the LOA requirements, see Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for a Canada Study Permit .
DLI Student Compliance Reporting
Post-secondary DLIs also have compliance reporting obligations.
IRCC currently requests compliance reporting from applicable post-secondary DLIs twice each year, with reporting periods beginning in March and November. The institutions report the enrolment status of international students associated with them.
Under IRPR section 222.1, a post-secondary DLI must provide the required compliance report within 60 days after IRCC's request, subject to any applicable extension.
IRCC uses this information to assess whether study permit holders continue to comply with their conditions.
Under IRPR section 220.1, a study permit holder in Canada must:
- enrol at the DLI named in the study permit;
- remain enrolled there until completing the studies, subject to the applicable regulatory rules; and
- actively pursue the course or program of study.
The DLI framework continues after the study permit is issued. Post-secondary institutions have reporting obligations, while students have continuing immigration conditions relating to enrolment and active study.
Can You Change Your DLI After Getting a Study Permit?
The rules for post-secondary students changed significantly in November 2024.
Under IRPR section 217.1, a study permit holder in Canada whose permit names a DLI and who is accepted into a course or program at another DLI must submit an application for a new study permit naming the new DLI if they intend to attend that institution.
IRCC therefore instructs post-secondary students that they generally need to apply for a new study permit by extending their current permit before changing DLIs.
A new letter of acceptance is required, and a new PAL/TAL may also be required unless an exemption applies.
If the study permit application is still in progress
If an applicant wants to change the DLI while the study permit application is still being processed, IRCC currently instructs the applicant to submit the new LOA and a new PAL/TAL, if required, through the IRCC web form.
If the applicant is outside Canada after approval
If the study permit application has already been approved and the applicant changes schools while outside Canada, IRCC states that the applicant must submit a new study permit application with the new LOA and pay the applicable fees again.
The full rules, including limited situations in which a student may begin studying at a new DLI while the new application is being processed, are covered separately in Changing Schools or DLI on a Study Permit .
What Happens If Your School Loses DLI Status?
Losing designation after a study permit has already been issued does not necessarily mean that the student must immediately stop the existing program.
IRPR section 220.1 contains rules dealing with loss of designation. In specified circumstances, the study permit holder may continue to be treated as studying at a DLI for the duration of the current permit.
IRCC's current study permit extension guidance similarly states that if an institution loses its DLI status after the student's study permit has already been issued, the student may continue the program in which they are enrolled for the duration of the current permit.
The ability to finish an existing program under a current permit should not be confused with the school's ability to support a new study permit application. The legal position depends on the reason for and timing of the loss of designation and the application being made.
What If a DLI Is on IRCC's Suspension List?
Post-secondary DLIs are subject to federal compliance obligations. Failure to comply can lead to regulatory consequences, including placement on the suspension list.
Under IRPR section 222.6, the Minister must publish and maintain a public suspension list containing prescribed information about a DLI that has received a final determination placing it on that list.
A study permit application that names a DLI and is received while that institution is on the suspension list must generally be returned without being processed, together with the supporting documents and processing fee.
The Regulations contain an important exception: this rule does not apply to an application to renew a study permit so the applicant can complete the course or program of study.
IRCC also states that a student may attend a DLI on the suspension list only if they are completing a program they had already started.
Designated Learning Institutions in Quebec
Quebec institutions are also subject to the federal DLI framework, although IRPR section 211.1 contains specific provisions identifying additional categories of Quebec educational institutions within the DLI definition.
International students planning to study in Quebec must also consider Quebec's separate immigration requirements.
In most cases where a CAQ is required, the student must obtain the applicable Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec or CAQ) documentation in addition to satisfying the federal study permit requirements.
DLI status therefore does not replace the separate Quebec requirements.
See Study Permit for Quebec: CAQ and Study Permit Requirements for the Quebec-specific process.
Designated Learning Institution FAQs
Does my school have to be a DLI to get a study permit?
If you require a study permit, your acceptance must generally be from a designated learning institution. For post-secondary study, confirm the institution on IRCC's current DLI list.
Are all universities and colleges in Canada DLIs?
Do not assume that a post-secondary institution is a DLI because it operates in Canada or calls itself a college or university. Check the official IRCC DLI list.
Are all elementary and high schools DLIs?
Yes. IRCC states that all primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. They do not appear individually on the post-secondary DLI list.
Does a DLI number start with O or zero?
IRCC states that post-secondary DLI numbers begin with the letter “O.” Applicants should copy the number from the official DLI list when completing the study permit application.
Does every DLI qualify for a PGWP?
No. DLI status and PGWP eligibility are different. Some DLIs offer PGWP-eligible programs, but not every program at a DLI is necessarily eligible.
If a program is PGWP-eligible, is a PGWP guaranteed?
No. The graduate must still meet all applicable PGWP eligibility requirements in force when applying.
Can I change universities after my study permit is approved?
A post-secondary student generally needs to apply for a new study permit naming the new DLI. The exact procedure depends on whether the applicant is in Canada, outside Canada or still waiting for a decision on the original application.
What happens if my school closes?
The consequences depend on the circumstances. Current regulations and IRCC guidance contain special rules for situations such as a DLI closing, discontinuing the student's program, losing designation or being placed on the suspension list. A student considering another DLI should check the change-of-school rules before beginning studies there.
Does being accepted by a DLI guarantee study permit approval?
No. DLI admission addresses only part of the study permit requirements. The applicant must still satisfy all applicable requirements, including documentation, financial resources, temporary residence requirements and admissibility.
DLI designation, suspension status, PGWP program eligibility and immigration requirements can change. Check the current IRCC information for the institution, campus and program before applying or changing schools.