Designated Learning Institutions
Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a
school in Canada approved to admit international students. To obtain a Canadian
study permit, a letter of acceptance from a DLI is mandatory.
Primary and Secondary Schools:
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. These schools provide
education from Grade One to Grade Twelve, culminating in a high school diploma.
Post-Secondary Schools:
Post-secondary institutions must receive permission from their provincial
government to accept international students. If you're aiming to study at the
post-secondary level in Canada, ensure that your school and program are on the
list of Canadian DLIs. Moreover, if you plan to stay in Canada post-graduation,
choose a DLI that qualifies you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Becoming an International Student in Canada
The process to become an international student
in Canada involves two steps:
- Acceptance into a DLI:
First, gain acceptance into a Canadian school or designated learning institution. Once you receive a letter of acceptance, you can apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). - Applying for a Study Permit:
Your study permit is granted based on your acceptance into a Canadian school. For post-secondary students, changing your school, program, field, or level of study doesn't require a new study permit. However, you must notify IRCC of any school change through your MyCIC account once you're accepted into the new program.
What is a Designated Learning Institution Number
Each post-secondary school that accepts
international students has a unique DLI number, starting with "O."
This number is necessary for the study permit application form. Note that
schools with multiple campuses may have different DLI numbers for each
location.
Non-DLI Schools
Schools not designated by their provincial or
territorial authority as DLIs cannot host international students. Applying for
a study permit for a non-DLI school will result in a refusal. If a school loses
its DLI status, you may stay until your study permit expires or transfer to
another DLI.
Dependent Minor Children
Dependent minor children accompanying parents
on a work or study permit in Canada do not need a separate study permit to
attend primary or secondary school.
Changing a Canadian DLI Number
Students with a valid study permit can change
their level of study, institution, or program. Depending on the change, they
may need to notify IRCC, apply for a new study permit, or get an extension.
Changing Programs
International students changing programs
within the same DLI do not need to update their study permit or notify IRCC,
except in certain cases:
- If the study permit lists conditions affected by the program
change.
- If the new program exceeds the duration of the current study
permit, necessitating an extension.
Changing Level of Study
When a foreign national changes their level of
study, specific actions may be necessary:
Changing from Primary to Secondary Education:
A new study permit is not required. If the student transfers to a different
institution, they should inform IRCC to update their institution of study. Note
that minor children accompanying a parent or guardian with a valid work or
study permit do not need a study permit for primary or secondary school.
Changing from Secondary to Post-Secondary
Education:
A new study permit from IRCC is required when moving from secondary to
post-secondary education.
Changing Between Post-Secondary Levels:
Switching between different post-secondary levels (e.g., from a bachelor’s to a
master’s degree) does not necessitate a new study permit. However, if the
student changes schools or the program change affects the study duration or
conditions listed on the permit, appropriate actions should be taken, such as
updating IRCC or extending the study permit.
How to change your DLI?
As long as the conditions of your study permit
are met, you can change your DLI. To do this, you will need:
- An online account: If
you submitted your study permit application by mail, create an online
account and link your application.
- Your study permit number: This
is at the top right of the study permit and begins with the letter ‘S’.
- Your new school’s DLI number: Find
it on the list of Canadian DLI numbers.
- Your new student ID number: This
is on the acceptance letter from your new school.
- Your start date at your new school.
With these documents ready, follow these steps
to change your DLI:
Step 1:
Sign in to your account
Step 2: Go to 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: Provide additional details about your original study permit
application.
Step 5: Enter your new DLI number, new Student ID number, and your start date at
the new school. Click "Submit transfer."
Step 6: Review the details of your transfer. If everything is correct, click
"Confirm Transfer."
Step 7: You should receive a notification confirming the completion of your
transfer, indicating that you have notified the Canadian government of your
intention to change DLIs.
Contact
Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance
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Designated Learning Institutions and how to change them? Visa Nexa Inc. is here
to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the
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