DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution. In Canada, a DLI is an educational school that has been given permission to host international students by a provincial or territorial government. These institutions are authorized to enroll international students and issue the necessary documentation, such as a study permit, to allow these students to study in Canada legally.

For international students wishing to study in Canada, it is essential to choose a DLI as their designated place of study. When applying for a study permit, students must provide the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI number) of the specific institution they plan to attend. Only students who have been accepted by a DLI and have a valid study permit are allowed to study in Canada.

List of DLI Institutes in Canada

Here given below the list of top universities in Canada that can be considered as DLI institutes:

Name of Institution	DLI	City, province	Campuses	PGWP Eligible
ABM College of Business and Technology	O242632228347	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	No
Absolute Aviation	O134231224842	Wetaskiwin, Alberta	Wetaskiwin	Yes
Academy of Learning Calgary	O19273743562	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary South, Calgary North East	No
Academy of Learning Edmonton	O19273755422	Edmonton, Alberta	Edmonton Down Town, West Edmonton Mall	No
Academy of Learning Edmonton South	O19273765312	Edmonton, Alberta	Edmonton South	No
Academy of Learning Medicine Hat	O19273743562	Medicine Hat, Alberta	Medicine Hat	No
Academy of Learning Red Deer	O19273743562	Red Deer, Alberta	Red Deer	No
Alberta Bible College	O122912253227	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	Yes
Alberta Caregiving Institute	O213390958647	Edmonton, Alberta	Edmonton	No
Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine	O212235983277	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	No
Alberta College of Art + Design	O18760756062	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	Yes
Alberta College of Massage Therapy	O133421346312	Edmonton, Alberta	Edmonton	No
Ambrose University	O18713147522	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	Yes
Anne's Language House	O246864157347	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	No
Athabasca University	O19092373272	Athabasca, Alberta	Athabasca	Yes
Bow Valley College	O19273769422	Calgary, Alberta	Calgary	Yes

Changing Program Procedure

International student do not need to change their study permit or contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for changing programs. Candidates for Canada PNP need to update them about the changes.

However, there are some exceptional cases:

• If the student's study permit has specific conditions listed on it (e.g., restrictions on working hours or study duration). These conditions will be affected by the change in programs, then the student must contact IRCC to know the total cost for Canada PR from India to inform them about the changes and possibly apply for a new study permit with updated conditions.
• If the student decides to switch to a program that has a longer duration than the validity of their current study permit, they will need to apply for a study permit extension before the original permit's expiration date. This is to ensure that their study permit remains valid throughout the entire duration of the new program.

In both cases, it's essential for the student to comply with the study permit conditions and ensure that their permit remains valid throughout their studies in Canada. If there is any uncertainty or specific questions related to their study permit, it's best for the student to contact IRCC or seek guidance from a designated immigration representative.

Changing School Procedure

If an international student decides to transfer to another designated learning institution (DLI) within the same level of study (e.g., undergraduate or graduate), they generally do not need to obtain a new study permit. However, they are required to inform and notify Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of the change in institutions. This notification can be done through the student's online account on the IRCC website. Canada work visa processing time vary.

It's important to make sure that the new school is also a designated learning institution (DLI), since schools that aren't DLIs can't accept foreign students. They will also receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Canada express entry draw.

However, there are specific considerations if a foreign national wishes to transfer from an institution outside the province of Quebec to an institution within the province of Quebec. In this case, they must obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before they can transfer. The CAQ is a certificate issued by the government of Quebec, and it is an essential prerequisite for studying in the province of Quebec for international students. The process for obtaining a CAQ is separate from the study permit application and involves specific requirements unique to the province of Quebec. Candidates must calculate their PNP points for Canada work permit by understanding the eligibility requirements of the program they are applying for.

International students planning to transfer institutions should always stay informed about immigration regulations and policies and follow the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth and legal transfer of their study program. Consulting with designated immigration representatives or the international student office at their current and future institutions can also be helpful in navigating the transfer process. Applicants are required to pay the Canada student visa fees.

Process for Changing DLI

To change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada while still complying with your study permit conditions, follow these steps to receive Canada Express Entry stream nomination:

• Step 1: Access your online account. If you applied for your study permit by mail, create an online account and link your application.
• Step 2: Find the part called "Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer" and click on "Transfer from DLI number."
• Step 3: Type in the application number for your study pass and click "Search for my application."
• Step 4: Provide additional details about your original study permit application.
• Step 5: Input your new DLI number, new Student ID number, and the start date at your new school. Then, click "Submit transfer."
• Step 6: Review the transfer details. If everything is accurate, click "Confirm Transfer."
• Step 7: You'll receive a notification confirming your successful transfer. This indicates that you have informed the Canadian government about your intention to change DLIs.

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including your study permit number, your new school's DLI number, and your new student ID number, before starting the process. Always refer to official sources or consult with designated immigration representatives for the latest and most reliable information on changing your DLI in Canada.

FAQs

Ques: What does DLI stand for?

Ques: What is a DLI institution in Canada?

Ques: How can I find out if an institution is a DLI?

Ques: Why is DLI status important for international students?

Ques: Can I study at a non-DLI institution as an international student?

Ques: Can DLIs offer both undergraduate and graduate programs?

Ques: How do I know if my study permit is valid for studying at a DLI?

Ques: Can DLIs be located in any province in Canada?

Ques: Can DLIs lose their designation?

Ques: Can I transfer to a different DLI without changing my study permit?