Designated Learning Institutions

DLIs are essential for international students who want to study in Canada because they provide a guarantee that the institution they are attending meets the country’s standards for education. Being a DLI also means that the institution is authorized to issue a document called a letter of acceptance which is essential to obtaining a Canadian study permit. Without a study permit, international students are not allowed to attend studies while in the country. DLIs are also important for the Canadian government because they ensure that international students are receiving high-quality education and that they are contributing to the country’s economy. International students bring billions of dollars to the Canadian economy each year, and they also help to fill the demand for skilled workers in various industries.

DLIs are regulated by the provincial or territorial governments in which they are located. Each province and territory have its own process for approving and regulating DLIs, but all of them require institutions to meet certain standards for education and operation.

The standards that DLIs are required to meet include things like the quality of their programs, the qualifications of their instructors, and the resources they have available to support students. DLIs are also required to have a certain level of financial stability to ensure that they can continue to operate and provide education to students.

DLIs are regularly inspected and audited by their respective provincial or territorial government to ensure that they are meeting these standards. If a DLI is found to not meet the standards, it can lose its designation, which means it would no longer be able to host international students.

If you are an international student and are considering studying in Canada, it is important to ensure that the institution you are interested in is a DLI. You can find a list of all Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) on the Canadian government’s website.

To be designated as a DLI, an institution must have a unique DLI number, which is a six-digit number that is assigned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can also search for an institution’s DLI number on the IRCC website.

When applying for a study permit, you will be required to provide your DLI number, so it is essential to ensure that the institution you plan to attend is a DLI.

According to the change they require to make in their level of study, an international student may need to seek a new study permit or notify IRCC of any changes in their study.

Primary education to secondary education: It is not essential to get a new study permit while transitioning from primary to secondary education. If the student is moving from one university to another as a result of this change, they should contact IRCC to adjust their institution of study.

Changing from secondary to post-secondary education: When transferring from secondary to post-secondary school, you must get a new study permit from IRCC.

Changing from one level of post-secondary education to another: If you are changing from one post-secondary level of school to another (for example, from a Bachelor’s Degree to a Master’s Degree), you do not need to get a new study permit. Nevertheless, if the student is transferring institutions, or if the change in programs would influence the term of study and/or the criteria mentioned on the permit, the student they may require a new permit.

For foreign students who wish to change studies within the same designated learning institution (DLI), there is no need to amend their study visa or notify IRCC. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

If the study permit contains specific requirements that the change in programs will impact, they must contact IRCC to update them on the changes.

Suppose the foreign national enrolls in a program that lasts beyond the validity of their study permit, they must seek to extend their study permit before the initial date of expiration.

In the event an international student transfers to institutions within the same level of study, they are not needed to seek a new study permit, but they must notify IRCC of the change in schools. Because non-DLI institutions are not authorized to accept foreign students, the student must guarantee that the new educational institution is a designated learning institution (DLI).

International students who intend to move to an institution within the province of Quebec from a different province must first get a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). This is because Quebec has special criteria for overseas students.

If a student needs to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, they will need to follow these steps:

1. Research new institutions: The student should research new institutions that offer the program they are interested in. They should check the admission requirements, program start dates, tuition fees, and other important information.
2. Apply to the new institution: Once the student has selected a new institution, they will need to apply for admission by submitting an application. The application process may require the submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The institution will review the application and determine if the student is eligible for admission.
3. Obtain a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA): If the student is accepted into the new institution, they will receive a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA). The LOA is an official document that confirms the student’s acceptance into the program at the new institution.
4. Notify the old institution: The student should inform their old institution of their decision to transfer to a new institution. This will allow the old institution to cancel their study permit and update their records accordingly.
5. Apply for a new study permit: Once the student has the new LOA, they will need to apply for a new study permit. They can apply online or by paper, depending on their country of residence. The application process will require the submission of several documents, including the new LOA and proof of financial support.
6. Update their DLI information: Once the student receives their new study permit, they should update their DLI information by informing the Canadian government of the change in their institution. The student can update their DLI information online through their MyCIC account or by contacting the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) call centre.

It is important to note that changing DLIs can have significant consequences for international students, and it is recommended that students seek advice from a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure they understand the impact of changing their DLI on their immigration status.