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Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)

A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school that admits international students. A letter of acceptance from a DLI is essential to obtaining a Canadian study permit.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Post-secondary schools must receive permission from the provincial government to accept international students.

If you want to come to Canada to study at the post-secondary level, make sure that your school and program of study is on this list of Canadian DLIs.

If you want to stay in Canada after you graduate, make sure to select a DLI that will allow you to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Becoming an international student in Canada is a two-step process. 

First, you need to be accepted into a Canadian school, or designated learning institution. Once you have a letter of acceptance, you can apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If you are issued a study permit, it is on the basis of your acceptance into a Canadian school. However, if you are studying at the post-secondary level, you can change your school, program, field of study, or level of study without needing to apply for a new study permit.

Once you’re accepted into the program you want to transfer into, you just need to notify IRCC if you have changed schools. You can do that online through your MyCIC account.

Designated Learning Institution Number

Every post-secondary school that admits international students has a unique DLI number. The DLI number can be found on the study permit application form. It is the number that begins with the letter “O”.

If you want to come to Canada as an international student, first ensure that your school is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Click here to find a list of Canadian designated learning institutions.

Schools with several campuses or smaller colleges may have a different DLI number for each location.

Non DLI Schools

If a school is not designated by its provincial or territorial authority as a DLI, then it is not eligible to host international students.

If you submit a study permit application for a non-DLI school, it will be refused. If the school you are studying at loses its DLI status, you can remain at the school until your study permit expires. Otherwise, you may or transfer to an alternative DLI.

Primary and Secondary Schools

In Canada, all primary and secondary schools are DLIs.

In most provinces, these schools offer education from Grade One to Grade Twelve. When a student graduates from secondary school they receive their high school diploma.

Dependent minor children do not need a study permit. If you have minor children and are coming to Canada on a work or study permit, they will be eligible to attend school. There is no need to apply for a separate study permit.

How to Change a Canadian DLI Number

If a foreign national is studying in Canada on a valid study permit, they are permitted to change their level of study, institution of study, and/or program of study. However, depending on the intended change, they may have to notify the appropriate immigration authority, apply for a new study permit or get a study permit extension.

Need to extend your study permit? You can read more about how to do that here.

Changing Programs

If an international student chooses to change programs within the same designated learning institution (DLI), there is no requirement to change their study permit or contact IRCC to update them of the changes. There are, however, a few exceptions to this:

  • If the foreign national’s study permit has certain conditions listed on it and if these conditions will be affected by the change in programs, then they must contact IRCC to update them with the changes.
  • If the foreign national switches to a program of longer duration than the validity of their study permit, then they will have to apply to extend their study permit before the original expiration date.

Changing Schools

If an international student chooses to transfer institutions within the same level of study, then they are not required to obtain a new study permit, but they are required to contact IRCC and notify them of the change in institutions. The student must ensure that the new institution is a designated learning institution (DLI), since non-DLI schools are not eligible to host international students.

If a foreign national wishes to transfer from an institution outside of the province of Quebec to an institution inside the province of Quebec, they will have to obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before they can transfer. This is because the province of Quebec has unique requirements for international students.

Changing Level of Study

Depending on the level of study for a foreign national, it may be necessary to obtain a new study permit or to inform IRCC of changes. Below are the common changes between levels of study:

  • Changing from primary education to secondary education: It is not necessary to obtain a new study permit. If, in making this change, the student is transferring from one institution to another, they should contact IRCC to update their institution of study.
    • Note: If a minor child is accompanying a parent or guardian who possesses a valid work or study permit, then the child does not require a study permit at the primary and secondary school levels.
  • Changing from secondary education to post-secondary education: It is necessary to obtain a new study permit from IRCC when switching from a secondary to post-secondary level of education.
  • Changing from one post-secondary level to another post-secondary level: It is not necessary to obtain a new study permit if switching between different post-secondary levels of education (for example, from a Bachelor’s Degree to a Master’s Degree). However, if the student is changing schools, or if the change in programs will affect the duration of study and/or the conditions listed on the permit, then the student should take the appropriate action as indicated above.

Transferring to a School in Quebec

The province of Quebec reserves more control over authorization of international students than Canada’s other provinces and territories. For this reason, there is an extra step involved with obtaining a study permit for an institution in Quebec. Before applying for a study permit, first a foreign national must obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). Only after the student has obtained a CAQ can they submit their study permit application.

This CAQ requirement will affect international students wishing to transfer from an institution located outside of Quebec to an institution located inside Quebec. In order to make such a transfer, the student would first have to obtain a CAQ from the Quebec government. Once they have a CAQ, there is usually no need to apply for a new study permit. However the student should update IRCC with their new information.

Foreign nationals wishing to transfer from one Quebec institution to another Quebec institution may need to obtain a new CAQ for studies if they fall under one of the following categories: 

  • If the student is changing their level of study, they must obtain a new CAQ. 
  • If a foreign national’s studies extend beyond the expiry date indicated on the CAQ, they must apply for a new CAQ.

If transferring institutions or programs will affect the conditions listed on the CAQ, they must contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) and may need to obtain a new CAQ.

Changing a DLI: Step by Step

As long as you are still meeting the conditions of your study permit, you can change your DLI.

To do this, you will need:

  • An online account. If you submitted your study permit application by mail, you will need to create an online account and link your application. 
  • Your study permit number. You can find this at the top right of the study permit. It begins with the letter ‘S’. 
  • Your new school’s DLI number. If you’re not sure, you can find it on this list of Canadian DLI numbers. 
  • Your new student ID number. You can find this on the acceptance letter from your new school
  • Your start date at your new school.

Now that you have all the necessary documents, you’re ready to begin the process. Follow these steps to change your DLI:

 

Step 1: Sign in to your account

Step 2: Find the section Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer and click Transfer from DLI number. 

Step 3: Enter your study permit application number and click Search for my application.

Step 4: Enter more details about your original study permit application. 

Step 5: Enter your new DLI number, your new Student ID number, and your start date at your new school. Click Submit transfer.

Step 6: Review the details of your transfer. If all the information is correct, click Confirm Transfer.

Step 7: You should receive a notification that your transfer is complete. This confirms that you have notified the Canadian government of your intention to change DLIs. 

How Visaab Can Help

The Visaab Team is here to help you at any stage of your Canadian study process.

Visaab’s educational counsellors can help you to find the right program, to secure a letter of acceptance, and submit your application for a study permit. With our guidance you will have the best possible chance of success!

To find out more about our International Student Program, fill out our free student assessment. One of Visaab educational counselors will review your information and contact you shortly!

How to Study in Canada for Free

There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in Canada.

The opportunities available to you will depend on your field of study or research and your country of origin.

You can find more information about scholarships that may be available to you by using this database.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A designated learning institution (DLI) is any school that is allowed to admit international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs and can admit students from foreign countries.

Not all post-secondary schools are DLIs, so you must check the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.

What are the Different Types of Canadian Post-Secondary Schools?

Canada has a reputation for providing accessible, quality education for international students. To understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.

Any educational program beyond the twelfth grade in Canada is considered post-secondary education. There are a few different types of post-secondary education, each with a different purpose.

Certain programs may have specific admissions requirements.

Our mandate is to ensure that you meet the basic admissions requirements for any program that you are applying for

Do I Need to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada?

To study at a Canadian school you will need to be proficient in English or French.

Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next.

While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies.

Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the IELTS.

Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.

Do I Need to Submit a Letter of Intent to Study in Canada?

Your letter of intent is a critical part of your study permit application. It should explain your plans to study in the country and your goals. You should acknowledge the conditions of being a Canadian study permit-holder.

The purpose of the letter of intent is to assure the Canadian government that you will respect the conditions of your permit. You must agree to leave the country once your permit has expired.

Our international student program offers guidance on writing your best letter of intent!

When is the Deadline to Apply?

Each school has their own deadline. You should make sure to submit your application well before this deadline. 

Canadian schools are flooded with applications every year. As the deadline approaches, schools become more selective. The more reputable schools are especially competitive, so the earlier you get your application in, the better.

Which Canadian University is Right for Me?
Canada has a selection of post-secondary institutions of different sizes and specialties. Here’s a list of five of the country’s most recognized schools, and a description of each to help get you started!
  • University of Toronto (UofT)
    The University of Toronto is likely one of the Canadian schools you have already heard of! International students choose UofT for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. 20,000 of them, to be exact. It is also located in the downtown core of the world’s most diverse city.
  • University of British Columbia (UBC)
    UBC is North America’s most international university. Thirty percent of UBC’s student population is international—16,188 students from 156 countries. Located on Canada’s beautiful west coast, the university is part of busy Vancouver. UBC is an excellent choice for those interested in living in a city while still having access to nature. Living in Vancouver means easy access to the beautiful outdoors, including forest, ocean and mountains.
  • McGill University
    McGill has an international reputation for excellence. It’s no wonder it has a population of more than 12,000 international students. Although it is in the French province of Quebec, McGill is an English university. The city of Montreal is known as one of the best cities to live in as a student. The cost of living is low and it is home to a vibrant artistic and cultural scene.
  • Université de Montreal (UdeM)
    UdeM is one of Canada’s highest ranking universities, and a great option for those interested in studying in French! Located in the city of Montreal, UdeM and its affiliate schools serve 9,500 international students each year.
  • McMaster University
    McMaster is one of the world’s top 100 universities. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the university is only an hour drive from Toronto. Hamilton is experiencing a significant job boom in the tech sector. This is great news for those interested in working during or after their studies!

Can I Change Schools or Programs While on a Study Permit?

With a Canadian study permit, you can change your school or program at any time. To do so, you will want to make sure you are following the right procedure and staying within the conditions of your study permit.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow to change your school or program through the online portal:

  1. Sign in to your account.
  2. Find the section called Designated Learning Institution student transfer
  3. Click transfer from DLI number
  4. Enter your study permit application number in the search field and then click search for my application
  5. You may be prompted to enter more details from your original study permit application, so it’s important to have this handy.
  6. Enter the information about your new program or school, including the new DLI number, your new student ID number, and your start date.
  7. Click submit transfer
  8. You will then be asked to review all the information you have submitted. If everything looks good, you can complete the process by clicking confirm transfer
  9. You will receive a notification that your request is complete. This confirms that you have successfully informed the government of your change in plans.

Can I Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes! Another perk to studying in Canada is that international students have the right to work. This helps offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time.

Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus. 

If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only.  

Can I Bring My Family With Me While I Study?

International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.

Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.

If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

You can learn more about applying for a study permit with your family here.

Can My Spouse Work While I am Studying in Canada?

If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

Can I Study in Quebec?

Studying in Quebec gives you the option to study in English, French, or both. However, Quebec student visa requirements are a little different from the rest of Canada.

What Are the Requirements to Study in Quebec?

In order to study in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This document is issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) . It confirms that Quebec has accepted you as an international student. You need a CAQ before you can apply for a study permit if your program of study is in Québec.

To be eligible to apply for a CAQ, you need to meet the following requirements.

  • Be accepted into a Québec designated learning institution
  • Pay the fees associated with a CAQ application
  • Agree to comply with the conditions for issuing a CAQ for studies

You do not need a CAQ or a study permit if you intend to study a program that is less than 6 months in duration.

Once you have a CAQ, you have to apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada. When you receive your study permit, you’re ready to start studying in Canada!

Are International Students Covered by Canada’s Healthcare System?

All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage.

Certain provinces allow international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage must buy private health insurance. All Canadian schools offer health insurance plans for international students.

Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. 

To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. Studying must have been your primary activity during your time in Canada.

A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.