What is a designated learning institution and does my school in Ontario qualify?
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Without a DLI number, a study permit application will be refused. In Ontario, most public universities and colleges are DLIs, and many private career colleges also hold DLI status.
You can confirm your school's status by searching the official IRCC DLI list, which is publicly available. The DLI number appears on your acceptance letter or can be confirmed with your school's admissions office.
If your school is not a DLI, you cannot get a study permit to attend it. This is a federal requirement — Ontario provincial licensing of a school does not automatically mean it is a DLI. Checking DLI status before you pay tuition or make travel plans is an important first step.
Key takeaways
- DLI status is a federal requirement for study permit eligibility
- Ontario's public universities and most colleges are DLIs, but confirm your specific school
- You can verify DLI status on the IRCC website using the DLI number
- Paying tuition before confirming DLI status carries real risk