Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Explained

What a DLI is

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that has been approved by a provincial or territorial government in Canada to host international students. Every primary and secondary school in Canada is automatically a DLI, but at the post-secondary level (colleges and universities) a school must be specifically designated to enrol students from outside Canada.

This is general information to help you plan, not immigration advice. The list of approved schools and the rules around them are set by the Government of Canada and can change, so confirm the current details on the official source before you rely on them.

Why a DLI matters for your study permit

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you generally need a letter of acceptance from a DLI to be eligible to apply for a study permit. If you enrol at a school that is not designated, you may not be able to get a study permit for that program.

Beyond eligibility, attending a DLI can also matter later — for example, certain post-graduation work options have historically depended on having studied at an eligible institution. Because these rules change, always verify the current requirement on the official Government of Canada source.

• A study permit application generally requires an acceptance letter from a DLI
• Not every school is a DLI at the post-secondary level — check before you apply or pay fees
• Eligibility for some post-study work options can depend on the institution — verify the current rule

Understanding the DLI number

Each DLI has a unique DLI number, which begins with the letter "O" followed by a series of digits. You will usually need this number when you complete your study permit application, and it normally appears on your letter of acceptance.

If you cannot find the DLI number on your acceptance letter, contact the school directly to confirm it. Entering the correct DLI number helps ensure your application is matched to the right institution.

How to check if your school is a DLI

The Government of Canada publishes the official list of Designated Learning Institutions on canada.ca. You can search the list by province or territory to confirm whether a specific college or university is designated and to find its DLI number.

Do not rely on third-party directories, agents, or social media for this — use only the official list. The designation status of a school can change over time, so check the current list rather than an old copy.

• Search the official DLI list on canada.ca by province or territory
• Confirm the school is listed and note its DLI number
• Re-check close to the time you apply, since the list is updated

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and DLIs

In addition to a DLI acceptance letter, many study permit applicants now need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter, issued through the province or territory, as part of the application. The school and the province work together on these documents.

The exact requirement, who is exempt, and how the letter is issued are set by IRCC and the provinces, and these rules have changed recently. Always confirm the current PAL requirement and process on the official Government of Canada source before applying — this is general information, not immigration advice.