A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that accepts international students. To obtain a Canadian study permit, an acceptance letter from a DLI is mandatory.

Primary and Secondary Schools

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. These schools typically offer education from Grade One to Grade Twelve. Upon graduation, students receive a high school diploma. Dependent minor children accompanying parents on a work or study permit do not need a separate study permit and are eligible to attend these schools.

Post-Secondary Schools

Post-secondary institutions must be authorized by the provincial government to admit international students. If you plan to study at the post-secondary level in Canada, ensure your chosen school and program are listed as DLIs. Selecting a DLI is also crucial if you wish to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation.

Steps to Become an International Student in Canada

1. Acceptance into a Canadian School: First, you must be accepted into a designated learning institution.
2. Apply for a Study Permit: Once you have an acceptance letter, you can apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If issued a study permit based on acceptance into a post-secondary institution, you can change your school, program, field of study, or level of study without applying for a new permit. Notify IRCC of any changes through your MyCIC account.

Designated Learning Institution Number

Each post-secondary school that admits international students has a unique DLI number, starting with the letter “O”, which can be found on the study permit application form. Ensure your chosen school is on the list of Canadian DLIs. Schools with multiple campuses or smaller colleges 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. Study permit applications for non-DLI schools will be refused. If your school loses its DLI status, you may remain until your study permit expires or transfer to another DLI.

Changing Canadian DLI Number

International students can change their level of study, institution, or program of study with a valid study permit. Depending on the change, you may need to notify IRCC, apply for a new study permit, or get an extension.

Extending Your Study Permit

To extend your study permit, follow the instructions provided here.

Changing Programs

If you change programs within the same DLI, there’s no need to update your study permit unless:

• Conditions listed on your study permit are affected.
• The new program’s duration exceeds the study permit’s validity, requiring an extension.

Changing Schools

If transferring between institutions within the same study level, notify IRCC of the change. Ensure the new institution is a DLI, as non-DLI schools cannot host international students. Transfers to institutions in Quebec require a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).

Changing Level of Study

• Primary to Secondary Education: No new study permit required. Notify IRCC if changing institutions.
• Secondary to Post-Secondary Education: Obtain a new study permit from IRCC.
• Between Post-Secondary Levels: No new permit needed unless changing schools or if program changes affect the permit’s conditions or duration.

Transferring to a School in Quebec

Quebec has unique requirements for international students, including obtaining a CAQ before applying for a study permit. For transfers within Quebec, a new CAQ may be needed if:

• The level of study changes.
• The CAQ expires before studies end.
• Changes affect conditions listed on the CAQ.

Changing a DLI: Step by Step

To change your DLI, you need:

• An online account. Link your mailed study permit application if applicable.
• Your study permit number (starting with “S”).
• Your new school’s DLI number.
• Your new student ID number and start date at the new school.

Steps:

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Navigate to Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer and select Transfer from DLI number.
3. Enter your study permit application number and search for your application.
4. Provide details about your original study permit application.
5. Enter your new DLI number, new student ID, and start date. Submit transfer.
6. Review and confirm the details.
7. Receive notification confirming your transfer.

These steps ensure the Canadian government is informed of your intention to change DLIs.