- Since November 8, 2024, changing your designated learning institution requires applying for and obtaining a new study permit before you start at the new school
- From January 22, 2025, most study permit applications also need a valid Provincial Attestation Letter
- A post-graduation work permit can be valid from 8 months up to 3 years, depending on your program length.
A designated learning institution is a college or university that has been approved to accept overseas students by a province or territorial authority. Students pursuing undergraduate or master's degrees must obtain a study permit, and you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution to apply for one. A unique DLI number is assigned to each designated learning institution in Canada. This post explains what a DLI is, why it matters, how the DLI number works, how to change your DLI, and lists approved learning institutions in Ontario.
What Is a DLI in Canada?
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a Canadian province or territory to host international students. You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI to apply for a study permit. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically DLIs, while post-secondary schools appear on the official IRCC list.
An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution is required to apply for a study permit. A designated learning institution is a school that has been approved by the government of a province or territory to accept overseas students. In Canada, all elementary and secondary schools are designated learning institutions, so only post-secondary schools appear on the official DLI list.
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Only DLIs can legally enrol international students, so choosing one keeps your study permit valid. Attending a PGWP-eligible DLI also lets eligible graduates apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, gain Canadian work experience, and build a pathway toward permanent residence. DLIs meet provincial education standards and award internationally recognised degrees or diplomas.
Here are the main reasons to choose a DLI college in Canada:
- Provincial and territorial governments approve and monitor DLIs in Canada.
- They meet the provincial or territorial standards required to enrol international students.
- Many DLIs are PGWP-eligible, letting graduates work in Canada after studying.
- DLIs award degrees and diplomas that are recognised internationally.
What Is the DLI Number in Canada?
A DLI number is the unique identifier assigned to every post-secondary designated learning institution on the official IRCC list. It always begins with the letter O followed by digits. IRCC assigns it once a province or territory confirms the school's designation. You must enter this number on your study permit application.
The DLI number is the set of digits assigned to each college or university on the DLI list in Canada. It is issued to a post-secondary institution once IRCC receives confirmation of its designation from the relevant provincial or territorial ministry of education. In the Global Case Management System (GCMS), this identifier is the Organization ID, and its external name is the DLI number.
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Since November 8, 2024, you can no longer switch schools by simply updating your DLI online. You must apply for and receive a new study permit based on acceptance at your new DLI before you begin studying there. From January 22, 2025, a valid Provincial Attestation Letter is also required unless exempt.
You can change your DLI, but the process changed in late 2024. You must remain compliant with the conditions of your study permit throughout, and you must be enrolled at the DLI named on your permit.
Follow these steps to change your DLI in Canada:
- Get a letter of acceptance from your new designated learning institution.
- Obtain a valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL), unless you are exempt.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account and apply for a new study permit based on your new acceptance.
- Submit your application before you start studying at the new DLI and wait for approval.
- Do not remain out of school for more than 150 days while changing institutions.
- Once approved, begin studying at your new DLI under your new study permit.
Which Colleges Are DLIs in Canada?
Canada has thousands of designated learning institutions across every province and territory, so international students have wide choice. You can shortlist a DLI by province, city, or program, then confirm its DLI number on the official IRCC list before applying. Below is a sample of well-known DLI colleges and universities in Ontario.
The number of recognised designated learning institutions in Canada is large, so there are many options to choose from. You can choose one based on the province or city where you intend to live as an international student. Based on the provinces of Canada, here is a sample list of designated learning institutions in Ontario.
DLI Colleges in Ontario (2026)
| Institution (DLI 2026) | Location | DLI Number |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Access Business College | North York | O242732890457 |
| Algonquin College | Ottawa | O19358971022 |
| Canada College of Education | Toronto | O19833653497 |
| Centennial College | Toronto | O19394700003 |
| Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology | Sudbury | O19394699409 |
| Brock University | St. Catharines | O19394569014 |
| University of Guelph | Guelph | O19305391192 |