Hala is a Jordanian high school student. She intends to continue her studies in Canada. Hala has researched several universities and colleges in Canada. But even so, she is not quite sure if she can trust any of those schools. Many of those schools ask for $100 or more to review her application for admission. Hala has heard that she must look for a designated learning institution. She, however, does not know how to make sure the schools she finds are designated.

An international student is someone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but intends to study in Canada. Generally speaking, if the length of the study is less than six months and it is not part of a more extended program, you do not need a study permit. In these situations, you register for the program and enter Canada as a visitor. Of course, depending on your nationality, you may need a TRV or an eTA.

If the length of study exceeds six months, a study permit becomes mandatory. If you are not familiar with the concept of a study permit, read the following article.

• Study Permit – Study Visa – International Students in Canada

The first step in most study permit applications is to receive admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). But what is a DLI, and how can you locate them?

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

IRCC approves certain education providers as DLIs. A Provincial body usually gives accreditation to these institutions. A typical DLI also has a few years of experience in education. Each Designated Learning Institution has a DLI number. Here are some examples of actual DLI numbers:

• Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta – O19390898172
• Ashton College in Vancouver, British Columbia – O19219876582
• Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Manitoba – O19021102272
• Yukon College in Ross River, Yukon – O19604209351
• Holland College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – O19220082122

Of course, these are only a few samples.

As you can see, each DLI number begins with the letter “O” followed by 11 digits. Sometimes a college or university has more than one campus. For example, the University of Toronto has three locations. One of them is in downtown Toronto, another is in Scarborough, and the last is in Mississauga. All of them have the same DLI number, though, O19332746152.

When you look up a college or university, make sure your target campus has a valid DLI number, but how?

How to Locate a DLI?

There is no doubt you can ask a college or university directly whether it is a designated learning institution. You may also ask about their DLI number. However, this is probably not the best approach. I recommend visiting the IRCC website. Take the following steps.

1. Visit the DLI page on the IRCC website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html.
2. Select the province or territory of the college or university.
3. If the list is long, enter part of the institution’s name in the filter box (see the image below).

You need to write down the DLI number as you need it for your study permit application.

What about Primary and Secondary Schools?

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. They do not have a DLI number, and you do not need to present a DLI for them when you apply for a study permit. Having said that, make sure the school you register with is reputable and reliable.

What is PGWP-eligible?

If you look at the DLI table, the last column says “Offers PGWP-eligible Programs.” PGWP stands for Post-Graduate Work Permit. Suppose you finish your studies in Canada. If the program you have taken is eligible for PGWP, you could apply for an open work permit (conditions apply). If you receive a PGWP, you may stay in Canada and work for any employer. This could open doors to your permanent residency under some provincial programs or through Express Entry (especially the Canadian Experience Class subcategory). You may read the following article for more information about PGWP:

• Post-Graduate Work Permit Canada

If you wish to visit or move to Canada, or if you have encountered any issues with the immigration authorities, you may complete our free assessment form or book a consultation to assess your opportunities and receive immigration, visa, or citizenship advice.