Short answer
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. A DLI number is important for post-secondary study-permit applications, but DLI status alone does not guarantee that a program is PGWP-eligible.
Detailed answer
A designated learning institution (DLI) is an institution approved by a province or territory to enrol international students. Post-secondary DLIs appear on IRCC’s official list and have a DLI number beginning with the letter O. Primary and secondary schools are automatically designated and are not individually listed in the same way.
DLI status concerns the institution’s ability to host international students. PGWP eligibility is a separate program-level assessment: some schools have only certain eligible programs, and some DLI programs do not qualify at all. Students should check the exact school, campus and program before accepting an offer.
A letter of acceptance from a DLI, a PAL/TAL where required and a study permit each serve different purposes. None should be treated as a guarantee of admission, entry to Canada, post-graduation work authorization or permanent residence.
Last updated: 2026-08-31