Designated Learning Institution Canada

DLI (Designated Learning Institution) is a school with official permission from the Canadian Government to host international students. Every Canadian post-secondary school has a unique DLI number to admit international students. The DLI-accredited institutions in Canada's colleges and universities are recognised worldwide. The DLI number starts with the letter ‘O’.

International students who wish to study in Canada must ensure that their school is listed under DLIs. The students can check the DLI-approved institution’s list on the Government's official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

International students can also find the DLI number of the institution to which they have applied on the offer letter provided by the university/ college. While applying for the Canadian student visa, the students must mention the DLI number of the institution to which they are being admitted. Moreover, International students who wish to stay in Canada after graduation should choose a DLI institute that will allow them to meet all requirements for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Some DLI institutes do not allow Post-study Work (PSW) permits.

If the school does not have official permission from the authority as a DLI, then it is a non-DLI school. Non-DLI schools are not eligible to host international students. If the students submit a study permit application for a non-DLI school, it will be refused.

An international student can change their study level, institution, and program of study if they are studying on a valid study permit. However, depending on the intended change, the students may have to notify the appropriate immigration authority depending on the intended change. Further, students can apply for a new study permit or get a study permit extension.

If an international student wishes to change the program in the same institution, then there is no need to apply for a study permit again or contact IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to update them on the changes.

If the student is changing their institutions within the same level of study, then they are required to contact IRCC and notify them regarding the change of institution. The students must remember that their new institution must be included in the DLI list Canada. Whereas, if students wish 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 transferring.

If the student is changing the level of study from secondary education to post-secondary education, then they have to apply for a new study permit from IRCC.

The process of applying for a study permit for DLI institutes in Quebec involves an extra step. Since the provinces of Quebec reserves more control over the authorisation of international students than Canada’s other provinces and territories. Firstly, international students must obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Quebec Government before applying for a study permit. 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.

To change your DLI number, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to your MyCIC record

Step 2: Find the Designated Learning Institution student transfer segment and snap transfer from the DLI number.

Step 3: Enter your application number and snap. Search for the application.

Step 4: Enter more insights concerning your unique review grant application.

Step 5: Enter your new DLI number, student ID number, and beginning date at your new school. Snap Submit move.

Step 6: Review the subtleties of your exchange. On the off chance that all the data is right, click confirm the transfer.

Step 7: You ought to get a notice that your exchange is finished. This affirms that you have informed the Canadian administration of your goal to change DLIs.

The students who wish to study in Canada may contact our expert education counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultant (MOEC). For more queries or any details, you can mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.