Choosing the right school in Canada is one of the most important decisions an international student can make — because your choice of institution directly affects your study permit eligibility, your ability to work in Canada, and whether you qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Not all schools are equal under Canadian immigration law. This guide explains what a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is, how to find one, the PAL requirement introduced in January 2024, and how to identify red flags.
What Is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Under IRPR s.211.1, international students applying for a study permit must be accepted to a DLI. Studying at a non-DLI institution does not qualify for a study permit.
IRCC maintains the official DLI list on its website. You can search by province, institution name, or DLI number. Every DLI has a unique DLI number — always confirm the number on your acceptance letter matches the official IRCC list before applying.
Where to find the DLI list
Search “IRCC designated learning institutions list” on the Government of Canada website (canada.gc.ca) to access the searchable database of all approved schools.
Public vs Private DLIs — Why It Matters
Not all DLIs offer the same immigration pathways. The most important distinction is whether the institution is a public post-secondary institution or a private college.
| Institution Type | PGWP Eligible? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Public university | Yes | UBC, University of Toronto, McGill |
| Public college | Yes | Humber College, BCIT, SAIT |
| Private college (on PGWP-eligible list) | Yes (if on list) | Must verify on IRCC's PGWP-eligible institution list |
| Private college (not on PGWP list) | No | Many language schools, private career colleges |
If you plan to use your Canadian education to work in Canada after graduation and potentially apply for permanent residence, you must graduate from a PGWP-eligible institution. Always verify on the IRCC website before accepting an offer.
PGWP Eligibility — Program Length Matters
The length of your PGWP is directly tied to the length of your program. Under IRCC policy, the PGWP is generally issued for the same duration as the program of study, up to a maximum of 3 years.
- ✓ Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years → PGWP valid for same length as program
- ✓ Programs of 2 years or more → PGWP valid for 3 years
- ✗ Programs shorter than 8 months → not eligible for PGWP
If you are considering a short certificate program at a private college, confirm whether the program length and institution type qualify for a PGWP before enrolling. A 3-year bachelor's degree at a public university is the most straightforward path to a 3-year PGWP.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — Required Since January 2024
As of January 22, 2024, most international students applying for a study permit must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their application. The PAL is issued by the province or territory where the student plans to study and confirms the province has allotted a study permit spot for that student.
Who needs a PAL?
Most undergraduate and college-level students applying from outside Canada. The requirement was introduced to manage international student volumes.
Who is exempt from the PAL requirement?
- • Master's and doctoral (PhD) students
- • Students already in Canada with a valid study permit (extensions)
- • Primary and secondary school students (K-12)
- • Certain exchange students and students at institutions with bilateral agreements
Always check IRCC's current PAL guidance, as exemptions and provincial processes evolve. Your DLI or provincial authority can advise on how to obtain the PAL.
Red Flags — How to Avoid Diploma Mills
Not every school advertising to international students is legitimate. Some institutions exploit immigration aspirations without providing genuine educational value. Watch for these red flags:
⚠ DLI number not on the official IRCC list
Always verify the DLI number on the IRCC website before paying any fees. If the school cannot provide a DLI number or it does not appear on the list, do not proceed.
⚠ Guaranteed admission with no academic requirements
Legitimate post-secondary institutions have admission standards. Schools that accept anyone regardless of qualifications may not provide genuine education.
⚠ Focus on immigration over education in marketing
If the school's primary pitch is immigration pathways rather than the quality of education, that is a warning sign.
⚠ Not on the PGWP-eligible institution list
If you plan to work after graduation, confirm the institution and program appear on IRCC's list of PGWP-eligible institutions.
⚠ No physical campus or accreditation
Verify the school has physical facilities and is recognized by the relevant provincial ministry of education or post-secondary authority.
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Generate Document ChecklistFrequently Asked Questions
Can I study at any school in Canada as an international student?+
No. You must be accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to apply for a study permit. You can verify whether a school is a DLI using the searchable list on the IRCC website (canada.gc.ca).
Does my DLI choice affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?+
Yes. You must graduate from a PGWP-eligible institution to qualify for the PGWP. Public universities and colleges are generally eligible. Many private colleges are not. Check the IRCC list of PGWP-eligible institutions before enrolling.
What is a PAL and how do I get one?+
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a provincial or territorial government confirming they have allocated a study permit spot for you. Required since January 22, 2024 for most undergraduate applicants. Contact your intended school or provincial authority to initiate the PAL process — it is typically arranged by the school on your behalf.
If I transfer schools after arriving, does my study permit still apply?+
You must update your study permit if you change DLIs. You must always be enrolled at the DLI named on your study permit, or have notified IRCC of a change. Failing to do so can put you in non-compliance with your study permit conditions.
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Get Pathway Report → $149.99Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.