Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions an international student will make, and the first step is confirming that the institution is a Designated Learning Institution. Without DLI status, you cannot obtain a study permit, and your educational investment may not lead to the immigration pathways you planned for.

What Is a Designated Learning Institution?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Only institutions on the official DLI list can accept international students who need a study permit. Every DLI has a unique DLI number, which you will need when applying for your study permit.

The DLI designation is a provincial or territorial responsibility. Each province and territory decides which institutions within its borders qualify. The federal government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), maintains the consolidated list.

For the official list, visit the IRCC DLI list page.

Why DLI Status Matters

For Your Study Permit

You cannot receive a Canadian study permit without an acceptance letter from a DLI. This is a non-negotiable requirement. When you apply for a study permit, you must provide the DLI number from the institution. IRCC verifies this number against the official list.

For Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Not all DLIs are equal when it comes to the PGWP. While all DLIs can issue letters of acceptance for study permits, only certain types of DLIs have programs that qualify for the PGWP.

PGWP-eligible institutions include:

• Public post-secondary institutions (colleges, universities, CEGEPs, polytechnics)
• Private institutions in Quebec that operate under the same rules as public institutions
• Private institutions authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees, but only for students enrolled in those degree programs

Institutions that are DLIs but generally NOT PGWP-eligible:

• Most private career colleges (even though they appear on the DLI list)
• Language schools
• Private secondary schools (for students over 18)

This distinction is critical. A school can be a valid DLI for study permit purposes but still not qualify you for a PGWP after graduation. Always verify PGWP eligibility separately.

The DLI list on the IRCC website indicates which institutions have PGWP-eligible programs. Look for the column or filter that specifies PGWP eligibility.

For Off-Campus Work Authorization

Your study permit allows you to work off campus only if you are enrolled at a DLI in an eligible program. If your school loses its DLI status while you are studying, your work authorization could be affected.

How to Check DLI Status

Step 1: Visit the Official DLI List

Go to the IRCC Designated Learning Institutions list.

Step 2: Search by Province or Territory

You can filter the list by province or territory to narrow your search. The list includes:

• Institution name
• City
• Province or territory
• DLI number
• Whether the institution offers PGWP-eligible programs

Step 3: Verify the DLI Number

Every DLI has a unique number starting with the letter "O" followed by a series of digits (for example, O19359999999). This number must match the number on your letter of acceptance. Include this number on your study permit application.

Step 4: Confirm PGWP Eligibility

If the PGWP is part of your plan, check whether the specific institution and program are PGWP-eligible. The DLI list indicates PGWP eligibility, but you should also confirm with the institution directly, as specific programs within a PGWP-eligible institution may not qualify.

DLIs by Province and Territory

Here is an overview of the types of institutions you will find on the DLI list in each province.

Ontario

Ontario has the largest number of DLIs, including major research universities (University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Western University, Queen's University, University of Ottawa, and many others), colleges of applied arts and technology (such as Seneca, Humber, George Brown, Sheridan, Conestoga), and private career colleges. Ontario also has many private DLIs, so verify PGWP eligibility carefully.

British Columbia

BC DLIs include the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, BC Institute of Technology (BCIT), and numerous public and private post-secondary institutions. BC's public institutions are generally PGWP-eligible.

Quebec

Quebec has a unique education system with CEGEPs (Colleges d'enseignement general et professionnel) that provide pre-university and technical education. Major universities include McGill University, Universite de Montreal, Concordia University, and Universite Laval. Private institutions operating under the same rules as public ones may also be PGWP-eligible.

Alberta

Alberta's DLIs include the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), and various public colleges.

Manitoba

Key DLIs include the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Red River College Polytechnic.

Saskatchewan

DLIs include the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Atlantic Provinces

Nova Scotia: Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). New Brunswick: University of New Brunswick, Universite de Moncton, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC). Prince Edward Island: University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College. Newfoundland and Labrador: Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic.

Territories

The territories have fewer DLIs but they exist. Yukon University (Yukon), Aurora College (Northwest Territories), and Nunavut Arctic College (Nunavut) are on the list.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement

Since 2024, most study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter in addition to a DLI acceptance letter. The PAL confirms that the province has allocated a space for the student within its cap on new international student permits.

How PALs Work

• Your DLI typically initiates the PAL process on your behalf
• Each province has its own process and timeline for issuing PALs
• PALs are tied to specific institutions and programs
• Without a PAL, most study permit applications will be refused

PAL Exemptions

Certain students are exempt from the PAL requirement:

• Master's and doctoral degree students
• K-12 students (primary and secondary school)
• Exchange or visiting students
• Students already in Canada who are extending or changing programs (in some cases)

Check the IRCC PAL page for current exemptions.

What Happens if a School Loses Its DLI Status

Occasionally, institutions lose their DLI designation. If this happens while you are studying:

• Your study permit remains valid until it expires
• You may be able to continue studying and complete your program
• IRCC may place conditions on students at institutions that lose DLI status
• Your PGWP eligibility could be affected depending on the circumstances

If you hear that your school's DLI status is under review or has been revoked, contact IRCC immediately for guidance.

Choosing the Right DLI: Factors to Consider

Beyond DLI and PGWP eligibility, consider these factors when selecting an institution:

Academic Quality and Accreditation

Look at the institution's academic reputation, program accreditation (especially for regulated professions like engineering, nursing, accounting), and graduate outcomes. Canadian universities are not ranked in the same tier system as some other countries, and many smaller institutions offer excellent programs.

Location and Cost of Living

Tuition and living costs vary significantly by province and city. A program in Toronto or Vancouver will cost substantially more in living expenses than one in Winnipeg or Halifax. Consider total cost, not just tuition.

Program Fit and Career Outcomes

Research whether the program includes co-op opportunities, career services for international students, and has strong industry connections. Ask about graduate employment rates and the types of roles graduates secure.

Support for International Students

Good DLIs have dedicated international student offices, orientation programs, language support, academic advising, and assistance with immigration paperwork.

Community and Settlement Services

Consider the availability of settlement services in the area, the size and activity of the international student community, and the presence of cultural or religious communities important to you.

Key Resources

• IRCC: DLI list
• IRCC: Study permit eligibility
• IRCC: PGWP eligibility
• IRCC: Provincial Attestation Letter
• EduCanada: Study in Canada

Verifying DLI status and PGWP eligibility before enrolling protects both your education investment and your future immigration plans. Never assume a school qualifies; always check the official list.