Priya paid $150 to apply to a private college in Brampton. She accepted an offer, quit her job back home, and started packing. Three weeks later, IRCC refused her study permit — the school was not on the designated learning institution list. Not suspended, not recently removed. It had never been on it. Nobody told her to check. That $150 was the least of her losses. This guide explains exactly what a designated learning institution in Canada is, how to verify one, and every decision that hinges on getting this right.
What Is a Designated Learning Institution in Canada?
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school that has been approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. That approval is then recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the school is added to the official DLI list on the government’s website.
Without a letter of acceptance from a DLI, IRCC will not issue a study permit for most programs. That is not a technicality — it is a hard legal requirement. No DLI, no permit.
The official IRCC definition — and what it actually means for you
IRCC’s definition is straightforward: a DLI is “a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.” What that definition hides is the real implication. It is not enough for a school to say it accepts international students. It must be on the list. Thousands of private colleges in Canada market aggressively to international students with no DLI status whatsoever. They can still charge application fees. They cannot legally accept your study permit application.
Important: All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically DLIs. They are not included in the post-secondary DLI list and do not have DLI numbers. If you are coming to Canada for post-secondary study — college, university, vocational — you must confirm your school appears on the IRCC list.
Public DLIs vs private DLIs — why the distinction matters more than you think
There are two types of post-secondary DLIs: public and private. Public DLIs include universities, community colleges, and polytechnics funded by provincial governments — schools like the University of Toronto, NAIT in Edmonton, and Langara College in Vancouver. Private DLIs are independently owned and operated but have received provincial approval to host international students.
The distinction matters because of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Most public DLIs offer PGWP-eligible programs. Most private DLIs do not — or only some of their programs qualify. Choosing a private DLI without checking PGWP eligibility is one of the most common and costly mistakes international students make.
How the DLI system works: provincial approval, IRCC oversight, compliance obligations
Each province and territory manages its own DLI designation process. A school applies to the relevant provincial ministry, meets their criteria, and receives approval. IRCC then adds the school to the national DLI list. From there, DLIs have ongoing obligations: they must verify letters of acceptance, report on enrollment status of international students, and maintain compliance with IRCC’s requirements. Schools that fail those obligations can be suspended or have their DLI status revoked entirely.
Why Choosing the Right DLI Is the Most Important Decision You Will Make
Most students focus on program quality, tuition fees, and location. Those matter. But the DLI question has to come first, because every other decision collapses if you get it wrong. Here is what actually depends on it.
Study permit — you cannot apply without a DLI acceptance
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you need a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a DLI. You also need the school’s DLI number — the unique identifier that starts with the letter “O” — on your application form. IRCC officers check the DLI list. If your school is not on it, or was removed after you applied, your application will be refused. There is no appeal pathway for this specific refusal. You start over.
PGWP eligibility — not all DLIs qualify you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work in Canada after graduation for up to three years. It is the bridge between studying in Canada and achieving permanent residence. But only graduates of PGWP-eligible programs at PGWP-eligible DLIs can apply. The PGWP eligibility tab on the IRCC DLI list shows exactly which schools qualify. Beyond that, since November 2024, IRCC added field-of-study requirements — your program itself must align with specific in-demand sectors to qualify you for a PGWP.
The CEC pathway: how your DLI choice today affects your PR application tomorrow
Here is the part most guides skip. After graduation, a PGWP lets you work in Canada. After 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, you become eligible for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — one of the main pathways inside Express Entry. Your CRS score will then determine whether you receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. Choosing a non-PGWP-eligible DLI short-circuits this entire pathway. You cannot undo that choice after graduating.
Part-time work rights while studying
Study permit holders at DLIs can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions. If your school is not a DLI, or if your DLI loses its status while you are enrolled, your off-campus work authorization disappears with it.
Understanding Your DLI Number — and How to Read It
The “O” format explained
Every post-secondary DLI has a unique DLI number. The format is always the same: the letter “O” followed by 11 digits. For example, the University of Toronto’s DLI number is O19332746152. NAIT in Edmonton is O18713200642. That number goes in the section called “Details of Intended Study in Canada” when you fill out your study permit application. Get it wrong and your application stalls.
Multi-campus schools: same DLI number, different campuses
A school with multiple campuses typically has one DLI number across all locations. The University of Toronto has three campuses — St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga — all under O19332746152. However, some private colleges operate different campuses under different DLI numbers. Always confirm which specific campus you are attending and verify that location appears in the DLI list under that number. Some campuses have been removed from DLI approval while others at the same school remain active.
How to find and verify a DLI number on the IRCC website
Go to the official IRCC DLI page
Visit canada.ca and search “designated learning institutions list.” The list is updated regularly — bookmark the official page, not a third-party copy.
Select the correct province or territory
The DLI list is organized by province and territory. Choose where your school is physically located — not where it is headquartered or where you live.
Search by school name or city
Type part of the school’s name in the filter box. If the school does not appear at all, it is not a DLI. If it appears but your specific campus is not listed, that campus may not be covered.
Note the DLI number from the correct column
Copy the number exactly as shown, starting with the letter “O”. Also check the “Public/Private” column and whether the school offers PGWP-eligible programs before finalizing your decision.
Re-verify close to your application date
IRCC updates the list without announcement. A school that was a DLI in January may not be by March. Verify again within 30 days of submitting your study permit application.
What is a Consortium Learning Arrangement (CLA) school — and why it confuses so many students
A Consortium Learning Arrangement (CLA) is a formal agreement between a public DLI and a private college. Under a CLA, the private college delivers programs on behalf of the public DLI. The letter of acceptance and the DLI number on your permit are from the public institution — but you physically attend the private college’s campus.
Examples include arrangements like Algonquin College operating through CDI College campuses in Brampton and Mississauga, or Cambrian College operating through Hanson College in Toronto. These arrangements are legitimate and PGWP-eligible (because they operate under the public DLI’s approval). But students often get confused when their acceptance letter says one institution and they are sitting in a classroom of another.
How to identify a CLA: On the IRCC DLI list, CLA schools are shown as “[Public College] at [Private College Name]” and link to a details page explaining the arrangement. If your acceptance is from a CLA school, verify the public DLI partner is listed and active before applying.
The Designated Learning Institution List Canada — How to Search It
The 3 tabs on the IRCC DLI list
When you visit the IRCC DLI page, you will see three separate tabs. Most students only look at the first one. All three matter depending on your situation.
| Tab | What It Shows | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| All Post-Secondary DLIs | Every approved post-secondary school in Canada, organized by province. Includes public and private. | All international students applying for a study permit |
| DLIs Offering PGWP-Eligible Programs | Schools where at least some programs qualify you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation. | Anyone planning to work in Canada after graduation and pursue PR |
| Public DLIs — PAL/TAL-Exempt Graduate Programs | Public universities offering master’s and doctoral programs that do not require a PAL for study permit applications after January 1, 2026. | Graduate students applying for master’s or PhD programs |
How often the DLI list is updated — and why you need to re-verify
IRCC does not follow a fixed schedule for DLI list updates. Schools are added when they receive provincial approval and removed when they lose it or fail compliance obligations. There is no notification sent to students already enrolled or in the application process. It is your responsibility to verify the list is current. Checking once at the start of your research is not enough — check again before you pay your acceptance deposit, and again before you submit your study permit application.
DLI List Canada by Province — Key Schools to Know
The table below is a reference overview of key institutions by province. For the complete searchable database, always use the official IRCC DLI page. The information here is to orient your research, not replace it.
| Province | Notable Public DLIs | PGWP Eligible | PAL Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | U of T, York, McMaster, Waterloo, Humber, George Brown, Seneca, Centennial, Algonquin | Yes — most programs | Yes (except exempt grad programs) |
| British Columbia | UBC, SFU, BCIT, Capilano, Kwantlen, Langara, Douglas, Royal Roads, University of Victoria | Yes — most programs | Yes (except exempt grad programs) |
| Alberta | U of Alberta, U of Calgary, U of Lethbridge, NAIT, SAIT, MacEwan, Mount Royal, Bow Valley | Yes — most programs | Yes (except exempt grad programs) |
| Quebec | McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal, Université Laval, ETS, HEC Montréal, all CEGEPs | Yes — most programs | CAQ required + special PAL rules |
| Nova Scotia | Dalhousie, NSCC, SMU, Cape Breton University, Acadia, NSCAD, St. FX | Yes — most programs | Yes |
| Manitoba | U of Manitoba, U of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River College Polytechnic | Yes — most programs | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | U of Saskatchewan, U of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic | Yes — most programs | Yes |
| New Brunswick | UNB, Université de Moncton, NBCC, Mount Allison | Yes — most programs | Yes |
| NL / PEI / Atlantic | Memorial University, NSCC, UPEI, College of North Atlantic | Varies by program | Yes |
| Territories (NT/YT/NU) | Aurora College (NWT), Yukon University | Limited PGWP programs | TAL required |
Ontario — largest DLI concentration in Canada
Ontario has more DLIs than any other province — both public universities and private colleges. The Greater Toronto Area alone has hundreds of private DLIs, many of which are legitimate, but many of which are not PGWP-eligible. If you are applying to a private college in Brampton, Mississauga, or Scarborough, verify PGWP eligibility specifically before accepting any offer. Use the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program calculator to model your post-graduation provincial options.
British Columbia — UBC, SFU, BCIT and beyond
BC’s public institutions are strong across the board for PGWP eligibility. The province has also been tightening PAL allocation, which means admission to a BC DLI alone is not enough — your school must obtain a PAL allocation on your behalf. Confirm your institution’s PAL process before applying. Use the BC PNP Calculator to assess your post-graduation provincial options.
Alberta — University of Alberta, SAIT, NAIT and more
Alberta’s public institutions — particularly NAIT, SAIT, and the University of Alberta — are strong choices for PGWP-eligible, in-demand programs in technology and trades. Alberta also runs active PNP streams targeting international graduates. Run your numbers through the Alberta PNP Points Calculator while you are choosing your program.
Quebec — unique rules, CAQ, and institutions without unique DLI numbers
Quebec manages international student immigration differently from every other province. You need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before you apply for your federal study permit. Some Quebec institutions do not have unique DLI numbers. The IRCC DLI list and Quebec’s own database must both be consulted. If you are considering Quebec immigration after graduation, read the Arrima Quebec immigration guide and use the Arrima Points Calculator.
PGWP-Eligible DLIs — What Actually Makes a School Qualify?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is the single biggest factor driving school selection among international students who want to stay in Canada. Here is what you actually need to know — not the simplified version.
The 2024 field-of-study requirements — what changed and why it matters now
Before November 2024, graduating from a PGWP-eligible DLI was mostly enough. That changed. IRCC introduced mandatory field-of-study requirements for most PGWP applicants. Your program must fall within specific occupation categories — broadly: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, trade occupations, transport, and education. Programs in business, social sciences, arts, and humanities no longer automatically qualify graduates for a PGWP unless the school holds a specific exemption. Check the specific IRCC field-of-study requirements before selecting your program, not just your school.
Public vs private DLIs and PGWP: the actual breakdown
✓ Public DLI — Generally PGWP Eligible
- Universities, community colleges, polytechnics funded by provincial governments
- Most programs of 8 months or longer qualify
- PGWP duration matches program length — up to 3 years
- CLA arrangements with private colleges also qualify under the public institution’s number
- PAL/TAL-exempt for master’s and doctoral programs at public universities (from Jan 2026)
✗ Private DLI — Check Case by Case
- Not automatically PGWP-eligible — must be on the PGWP tab of the IRCC list
- Even if listed, only some programs may qualify
- Some private DLI grads limited to 1-year PGWP
- No PAL/TAL exemption for any graduate programs
- Higher risk of losing DLI status compared to established public institutions
How to confirm your specific program — not just your school — is PGWP-eligible
After confirming your school is on the PGWP tab of the IRCC DLI list, click through to the school’s detail page. IRCC lists which specific programs are PGWP-eligible for schools where not all programs qualify. Cross-reference that with the November 2024 field-of-study requirements. Both conditions must be met: eligible school and eligible program field.
The 3-year maximum PGWP and how your study length determines it
PGWP duration is tied to your program length. Programs of 8 months to 2 years earn a PGWP matching the program length. Programs of 2 years or more earn the maximum 3-year PGWP. A 1-year graduate certificate earns a 1-year PGWP. If you are planning on Canadian Experience Class eligibility, you need at minimum one year of post-graduation skilled work — so a 1-year PGWP from a 1-year program leaves zero margin for error.
The 2025–2026 Study Permit Cap — How It Affects Your DLI Choice
In January 2024, IRCC introduced a cap on international student study permit approvals. That cap has continued into 2025 and 2026 with province-level allocations. Having an acceptance letter from a DLI is no longer enough on its own in most cases.
Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letters (TAL) explained
Under the cap system, most post-secondary DLIs must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) for each international student whose study permit application they support. The province allocates a fixed number of PALs per institution based on enrollment history and provincial priorities. Your DLI applies for PALs on your behalf — you do not apply for them separately.
What this means practically: an acceptance letter from a DLI no longer guarantees your study permit will be processed. Your school also needs to have PAL capacity, and provinces are allocating these unevenly. Larger, more established public institutions tend to have more PAL allocation. Newer or smaller private DLIs may have exhausted their allocation by the time you apply.
Which DLIs are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement
As of January 1, 2026, public DLIs offering PAL/TAL-exempt graduate programs — specifically master’s and doctoral degrees — are listed on the third tab of the IRCC DLI list. Students applying to those programs do not need a PAL. This exemption does not apply to graduate diplomas, graduate certificates, or any programs at private DLIs. Primary and secondary schools have always been exempt. Quebec students face additional complexity because the province manages its own attestation process separately from the federal PAL system.
What this means if you are choosing between a private DLI and a public university
The PAL system has effectively disadvantaged private DLIs in the short-to-medium term. Many private DLIs have smaller PAL allocations, which means longer waits or outright refusals even with a valid acceptance letter. Public universities and colleges with established international student programs tend to have larger, more stable PAL allocations. If PGWP eligibility and study permit processing speed are both priorities — and for most international students they are — a public DLI is the safer choice in the current policy environment.
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What Happens If Your DLI Loses Its Designated Status?
DLIs can and do lose their designated status — through voluntary withdrawal, failure to meet compliance requirements, or suspension by IRCC. It happens more often than the official silence around it would suggest. Here is what your actual options are in each scenario.
How a DLI can be suspended or lose status — and why it happens
DLIs have ongoing compliance obligations. They must verify letters of acceptance, accurately report on the enrollment status of their international students to IRCC, and cooperate with compliance monitoring. Schools that falsify enrollment records, accept students beyond approved capacity, fail to report properly, or engage in fraudulent practices can be suspended or have their DLI designation revoked entirely.
Scenario 1: You applied but your school lost DLI status before your permit was issued
If you submitted a study permit application using a letter of acceptance from a school that was a DLI at the time of your application but lost status before IRCC issued your permit, you have three options:
- Withdraw the application — pull the application and reapply with a new acceptance from a different DLI.
- Submit a new letter of acceptance from a different DLI — IRCC will allow you to substitute the acceptance letter before a decision is rendered.
- Do nothing — IRCC will process the application based on what was submitted. Because the school is no longer a DLI, the application will be refused.
Scenario 2: You are already studying when your school loses DLI status
If you already hold a study permit for a school that loses DLI status after you began studying, you have two options:
- Transfer to another DLI — recommended if you want to remain on a valid study permit with all associated rights.
- Continue at the non-designated school — you can remain enrolled until your current study permit expires. Your off-campus work rights end immediately. Your permit will not be renewed for that school. Studies at a non-DLI institution will not count toward PGWP eligibility.
Practical warning: If your school is suspended, check the IRCC DLI list within days. Do not wait for official communication from the school — some institutions delay informing students to avoid mass departures. The responsibility to monitor this is yours.
How to Change Your DLI in Canada — Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your DLI is a real process with real steps — and getting it wrong can affect your study permit validity and your PGWP eligibility. Here is how each scenario works.
Changing programs within the same DLI
If you switch programs but stay at the same school, you generally do not need to notify IRCC or apply for a new study permit — with two exceptions. First, if your new program is longer than the validity remaining on your study permit, you need to apply for an extension before the current one expires. Second, if your study permit has specific conditions, check whether your new program violates those conditions.
Changing schools — what you must do and when
Transferring to a different DLI at the same level of study does not require a new study permit. But you are required to notify IRCC through your online account. The new school must be a DLI — confirm it on the IRCC list before accepting any offer. If you are transferring from outside Quebec to a school inside Quebec, you also need a CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) from the Quebec government before enrolling.
Level-of-study change quick reference
| Change | New Permit Required? | Notify IRCC? |
|---|---|---|
| Primary to secondary | No | Notify if changing schools |
| Secondary to post-secondary | Yes — new permit required | Yes |
| Bachelor’s to Master’s | No — extend if needed | Yes, if changing school |
| Master’s to PhD | No — extend if needed | Yes, if changing school |
| Any level → Quebec institution | No new permit — but CAQ required | Yes, plus update IRCC after CAQ |
The exact steps to update your DLI in your IRCC online account
Sign in to your IRCC secure account (MyCIC)
If you applied by mail and do not have an online account yet, create one and link your application using your study permit number (starts with “S”).
Find “Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer” and click “Transfer from DLI number”
This section is within your application dashboard once you are signed in.
Enter your study permit application number and search
This pulls up your existing permit details so IRCC can link the transfer to your record.
Enter your new DLI number, new student ID, and start date
Get these from the acceptance letter your new school sent you. The DLI number must match the IRCC list exactly.
Review details and confirm the transfer
You will receive a notification confirming completion. This satisfies your legal obligation to notify the government of the change.
From DLI to Permanent Residence — The Full Pathway
Choosing the right DLI is not just about getting a study permit. For most international students, the actual goal is permanent residence. Here is how that path works from start to finish.
Step 1: Accept offer from a PGWP-eligible DLI
Confirm the school is on the PGWP tab of the IRCC DLI list and that your specific program falls within the post-2024 eligible field-of-study categories.
Step 2: Obtain study permit and PAL
Your school helps secure the PAL. You apply for your study permit with the school’s DLI number and your letter of acceptance. Check the latest IRCC immigration updates before applying.
Step 3: Study, graduate, apply for PGWP
Complete your program. Within 180 days of receiving your final grades or graduation certificate, apply for your PGWP. Duration depends on program length — up to 3 years for programs of 2 years or more.
Step 4: Gain Canadian work experience
Work in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation for at least 12 months. This makes you eligible for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) inside Express Entry.
Step 5: Enter Express Entry pool and calculate your CRS score
Your language scores, education, age, and Canadian work experience all contribute to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Use the CRS Calculator to estimate where you stand and identify gaps before entering the pool.
Step 6: Receive ITA and apply for permanent residence
When your CRS score meets or exceeds the draw cut-off, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Provincial Nominee Program Option
Not everyone’s CRS score is high enough for a direct CEC draw. A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 CRS points — virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Many provinces specifically target international graduates from their own institutions. Explore your options using the FSW Points Calculator, SINP Calculator, or Manitoba PNP Calculator.
Common DLI Mistakes International Students Make
These are not edge cases. Every year, tens of thousands of study permit applications are affected by one of these errors.
“This school is well-known, so it must be a DLI”
Brand recognition and DLI status are completely separate. A school can spend millions on marketing, have beautiful facilities, and appear in Google ads — and still not be a DLI. Name recognition in the international student market is not a proxy for government approval. Always verify against the IRCC list directly.
FALSE ASSUMPTION“My study permit was approved, so my school is still a DLI”
Your study permit was issued based on your school’s DLI status at the time of approval. Schools can lose DLI status after your permit is issued. Your permit remains valid — but your work rights, PGWP eligibility, and permit renewal options all depend on your school remaining a DLI. Check the list once per semester.
FALSE ASSUMPTION“All programs at my PGWP-eligible school qualify me for a PGWP”
This was mostly true before November 2024. It is no longer accurate. Even at a fully PGWP-eligible public university, a program in an ineligible field of study will not qualify you for a PGWP. Confirm both your school and your specific program against IRCC’s field-of-study eligibility list before enrolling.
FALSE ASSUMPTION“A cheaper private DLI is just as good for immigration as a public college”
For the study itself, that may be true. For immigration outcomes, the difference is significant. Fewer PGWP-eligible programs, less PAL allocation, higher risk of losing DLI status, and less PNP priority for private college graduates all add up. The tuition saving rarely accounts for the cost of being ineligible for a PGWP or a PNP stream.
CONTEXT DEPENDENT“I do not need to update IRCC if I change schools”
You do. Under the conditions of your study permit, you are required to notify IRCC when you change DLIs. Failing to do so is a breach of your permit conditions and can create problems when you apply to extend your permit, apply for a PGWP, or apply for permanent residence.
FALSE — NOTIFY IRCCQuebec DLIs — A Special Category
Quebec manages international student immigration with a degree of autonomy that no other province has. If you plan to study in Quebec, the process has two layers: provincial and federal. Skipping either one gets your application refused.
The CAQ — required before your study permit application
The Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is issued by the Quebec government’s MIFI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration). It is not a study permit — it is provincial authorization that must be obtained before you apply for the federal study permit. Without a valid CAQ, IRCC will refuse your study permit application for a Quebec institution regardless of DLI status. CAQ processing times vary — budget several weeks minimum. Apply for the CAQ as soon as you have a letter of acceptance.
Quebec institutions without unique DLI numbers
Some Quebec institutions — particularly vocational training centres (centres de formation professionnelle) — are recognized as DLIs by IRCC but do not have unique individual DLI numbers. Instead, they are grouped under regional or school board designations. When applying, confirm with your Quebec institution how to handle the DLI number field in your application. Do not leave it blank or invent a number.
Transferring to a Quebec DLI from another province
If you are studying outside Quebec and want to transfer to a Quebec school mid-permit, you must obtain a new CAQ before making the transfer. You generally do not need a new study permit for the transfer itself, but you cannot attend the Quebec school until both the CAQ is issued and IRCC has been notified of the change.
For Quebec immigration pathways after graduation, the Arrima system uses a different points grid entirely. Read the complete Arrima guide and model your score with the Arrima Points Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designated Learning Institutions in Canada
What is a designated learning institution in Canada?
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. IRCC maintains the official list. International students need a letter of acceptance from a DLI to apply for a Canadian study permit for most post-secondary programs. All Canadian primary and secondary schools are automatically DLIs and do not appear on the post-secondary list.
How do I find the DLI number for my school?
Go to the IRCC designated learning institutions list on canada.ca. Select the province or territory where your school is located, then search by the school’s name. The DLI number appears in the list — it always begins with the letter “O” followed by 11 digits. Confirm the number for your specific campus if the school has multiple locations.
Are all Canadian universities designated learning institutions?
All public Canadian universities are DLIs. However, some private universities and university colleges require individual verification — not every institution using the word “university” in its name has been granted DLI status. Always check the IRCC list directly rather than assuming based on the institution’s title.
Does studying at a DLI automatically qualify me for a PGWP?
No. Two conditions must both be met: your school must be on the PGWP-eligible DLI tab of the IRCC list, and your program must fall within an eligible field of study under the rules effective November 2024. Programs in healthcare, STEM, agriculture, trades, transport, and education generally qualify. Programs in general arts, social sciences, and some business fields may not. Check both conditions before accepting your offer.
Can I change my DLI after getting my study permit?
Yes. You can transfer to a different DLI without applying for a new study permit in most cases. However, you must notify IRCC through your online account. If you are transferring to a Quebec school from outside Quebec, you also need a CAQ before enrolling. If the change significantly extends your studies beyond your permit’s validity, you will need to apply for a study permit extension.
What happens if my DLI loses its designated status?
If your school loses DLI status after your permit was issued, your off-campus work authorization ends immediately. Your permit will not be renewed for a non-DLI school and studies at a non-DLI institution will not count toward PGWP eligibility. Transfer to a different DLI as quickly as possible to protect your immigration status and work rights.
Do I need a PAL or TAL to apply to a DLI?
Most post-secondary applicants to Canadian DLIs need their school to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) as part of the study permit process. This is handled by the school, not by you. Exceptions include master’s and doctoral programs at qualifying public DLIs (as of January 1, 2026) and primary and secondary applicants. Quebec uses a CAQ process rather than a PAL.
Are primary and secondary schools in Canada DLIs?
Yes. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated and do not need a DLI number on a study permit application. Children accompanying a parent on a valid work or study permit can attend school without their own study permit.
What is a Consortium Learning Arrangement (CLA) school?
A Consortium Learning Arrangement (CLA) is a formal partnership between a public DLI and a private college. Programs are delivered at the private college campus but operate under the public DLI’s designation and number. Your letter of acceptance comes from the public institution. These are PGWP-eligible and legitimate. On the IRCC DLI list, CLA schools appear as “[Public College] at [Private College]” with a link to a details page.
How does my DLI choice affect my chances of getting Canadian permanent residence?
Directly. A PGWP-eligible DLI lets you work in Canada after graduation. That work experience contributes to your Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility under Express Entry. Your CRS score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply for PR. Choosing a non-PGWP-eligible DLI eliminates this pathway. Use the CRS Calculator to model your projected score after graduation and work experience.
Can I work while studying at a private DLI?
Yes, as long as your private DLI is on the IRCC list and your study permit includes work authorization. Off-campus work rights — up to 24 hours per week during sessions — apply to all DLI students regardless of public or private status. However, if your private DLI loses its status, work rights end immediately.
What is the difference between a public and private DLI?
Public DLIs are funded by provincial governments — universities, community colleges, polytechnics. Private DLIs are independently owned but provincially approved. Key immigration differences: public DLIs have higher PGWP eligibility rates, more stable DLI status, larger PAL allocations, and are more commonly targeted by provincial nominee programs. Tuition at public DLIs is often lower than at private DLIs for comparable programs.
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information purposes only and reflects Canadian immigration policy as understood in May 2026. Immigration laws, DLI designations, PGWP eligibility rules, and PAL/TAL requirements change without notice. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements directly with IRCC at canada.ca and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.