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A designated learning institution is a school a province or territory has approved to host international students. You can only get a study permit if your acceptance letter comes from a DLI, and only certain DLIs offer programs that later qualify for a post-graduation work permit. Checking a school's DLI status is the first step before applying.
Prospective international students choosing where to study and verifying a school's eligibility.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
A DLI is a school approved by a Canadian province or territory to host international students, and you need an acceptance letter from one to apply for a study permit.
You can verify a school against the official DLI list published by the Government of Canada, where each approved institution is listed with its DLI number.
Since late 2024, post-secondary students generally cannot simply switch DLIs online and must usually apply for a new study permit to change institutions.
To study in Canada, it's essential to understand the concept of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Many study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter in addition to their DLI acceptance, though some groups, such as most graduate students, are now exempt.
Yes. To qualify for a PGWP you generally must graduate from an eligible public DLI; most private career colleges do not make graduates eligible.
Unauthorized study, enrolment gaps, or an unclear academic history from a school change can jeopardize your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility.
To study in Canada, it's essential to choose a school that is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
