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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Primary or Secondary Students: All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated, so they do not have a DLI number.
- 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.
- 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
