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Applicants must provide the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #) for their school of choice. The DLI number is the number that begins with the letter “O” on the study permit application form.

In certain cases, students may be exempt from providing a letter from a DLI, or from providing a DLI number in their application. These cases may include, but are not limited to:

  • Students at a primary or secondary institution. These schools are all automatically designated, and no DLI number is provided.
  • A family member of a foreign national whose application for a work permit or a study permit is approved in writing before the foreign national enters Canada. In this case, the family member may obtain an open study permit.
  • Some institutions in Quebec are designated by the provincial government, but do not have a unique DLI number.

Sometimes, institutions may lose their designated status. Depending on when the status is lost, the international student may be affected.

  • If an individual submits an application for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from an institution that is not a DLI, the study permit application is refused.
  • If an individual submits an application for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from a DLI, but the institution loses its designated status before the study permit can be issued, the student has three options. He or she may:
    • Withdraw the application;
    • Submit a letter of acceptance from a different DLI;
    • Do nothing, in which case the application will be processed according to the information provided. The application will therefore be refused.
  • If an individual receives a study permit for a DLI, and the institution loses its designated status after the study permit is issued, the student has two options. He or she may:
    • Transfer to another DLI;
    • Continue studying at the non-designated institution until his or her study permit expires. In this case, the study permit may not be renewed for the non-designated institution.

Letter of Acceptance

Obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is the first step in the application for a Canadian study permit.

  • The student’s full name, date of birth, and mailing address;
  • The student’s ID number, if applicable;
  • The name of the institution, and the name of the official contact person;
  • The contact information of the institution;
  • If the DLI is a private institution, the licensing information for the institution should be clearly stated (usually in the institution’s letterhead);
  • The DLI number;
  • The type of school or institution (e.g. private, public, post-secondary college, community college, or technical college — this list is not exhaustive);
  • The study program, level, and year of study into which the student is accepted;
  • The estimated duration of the study program, or estimated date of completion of the study program;
  • The start date of the study program;
  • The latest date by which a student may register for the study program;
  • Whether the study program is full-time or part-time;
  • The estimated tuition fees for the first year of study, and scholarships or other financial aid (if applicable);
  • The details of a required internship or work placement, if applicable;
  • The expiry date of the Letter of Acceptance*;
  • Conditions of acceptance to the DLI (if applicable) — this may include prerequisite courses, previous qualifications, or proof of language knowledge;

*The Letter of Acceptance is required to state a date of expiry. If processing of the study permit application has not been completed before the expiry date of the Letter of Acceptance, an extension letter may be requested from the institution and submitted to IRCC to support the study permit application.

Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) provides a template for the Letter of Acceptance, and instructions for completing the required information.

It is important to note that a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI is not a guarantee that the study permit application will be approved. It is at the discretion of IRCC to approve an application for a study permit.

International Students in Canada

International students in Canada are in an excellent position to develop their career in Canada and stay permanently. The decision you have already made to study in Canada places you in a unique position.

Work while studying

Your Canadian study permit doesn’t just grant you the right to attend university or college, it also grants you the right to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled academic breaks.

This opportunity is generally not afforded to your peers who decided to study in other countries, such as the United States. It allows you to make some money to fund your ongoing studies and living costs, all the while giving you connections in the local labour market. These professional networks could be the lead into landing a great job upon graduation.

Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit upon graduation

Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, you can obtain a work permit valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of your study program.

  • No job offer required.
  • Work with any employer across Canada and change job when you want to.
  • Get that all-important Canadian work experience as you work towards obtaining permanent residence.

Many international graduates use the PGWP as a stepping stone into a successful career in Canada, and towards Canadian permanent residence.