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29 May

Study in Canada: What is a Designated Learning Institution & is it mandatory to be enrolled into one?

For international students aiming to study in Canada, obtaining a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a crucial step in the process. A DLI is an educational institution authorized to host international students. To secure a Canadian study permit, this letter of acceptance from a DLI is mandatory.

Selecting the Right DLI and Program
Choosing the right DLI and program is essential, especially if you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your studies. Only certain DLIs qualify students for a PGWP, so ensure your chosen institution meets these requirements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to verify if your institution is on the approved DLI list

  1. Visit the Official Government Website: Go to the official Canadian government website dedicated to DLIs. This site provides up-to-date information about institutions authorized to accept international students.
  2. Choose the Province/Territory: Select the province or territory where your institution is located. This helps narrow down the search to relevant institutions in your chosen area of study.
  3. Search for the Institution: Enter the name of the school, city, and any other relevant details into the search fields. This will help you find the specific institution you are looking for.
  4. Note Down the DLI Number: Once you find your institution in the search results, locate the DLI number listed. This number is crucial for your study permit application.
  5. Make sure to enter this DLI number in the “Details of intended study in Canada” section of your study permit application.
If a Canadian institution has multiple campuses or colleges, each location might have a different DLI number. Ensure you search and note the correct DLI number corresponding to the exact campus or location where you will be studying.

DLI Number Requirement
When applying for a study permit, you must include the DLI number of your chosen institution. This number, which starts with the letter “O,” is a vital part of your application.

Exemptions from Providing a DLI Number
Certain students are exempt from needing a DLI letter or number. These exemptions include:
  1. Primary or Secondary Students: All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated, so they do not have a DLI number.
  2. Family Members of Foreign Nationals: If a family member of a foreign national has a work or study permit approved in writing before entering Canada, they may obtain an open study permit without a DLI letter.
  3. Certain Quebec Institutions: Some institutions in Quebec are designated by the provincial government but do not have a unique 
What if I change my study program?
If you choose to change programs within the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you typically don't need to change your study permit. However, there are a few exceptions:
  • Conditions on Study Permit: If your study permit has specific conditions listed that are affected by the program change, you may need to update your permit.
  • Program Duration: If your new program is longer than the duration of your current study permit, you must apply for an extended study permit before the original permit expires.
What if I change my institution?
If you transfer institutions within the same study level, you don't need a new study permit. However, you must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of the change. Make sure your new institution is a DLI, as non-DLIs aren't eligible for the study permit.

What if I switch between different post-secondary levels of education?
You do not need to obtain a new study permit if you switch between different post-secondary levels of education, such as moving from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree.

What Happens if your University Loses DLI Status?

If an institution loses its DLI status, the impact on international students varies depending on the timing:
Before Study Permit Issuance:
  • If your application includes a letter from an institution that loses its DLI status before your permit is issued, you have three options:
    • Withdraw your application.
    • Submit a new letter of acceptance from a different DLI.
    • Do nothing, which will result in a refusal of your application.
After Study Permit Issuance:
  • If your institution loses its DLI status after you have received your study permit, you can either:
    • Transfer to another DLI.
    • Continue your studies at the non-designated institution until your permit expires. Note that your study permit will not be renewable for the non-designated institution.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/study-in-canada-what-is-a-designated-learning-institution-is-it-mandatory-to-be-enrolled-into-one/articleshow/110526929.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

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