This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the IRCC website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
As per paragraph 216(e) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, the issuance of study permits is limited to applicants who have been accepted to undertake a program of study at an educational institution that is designated to host international students (i.e., a designated learning institution [DLI]).
Therefore, study permit applications, including renewals, received (online) or postmarked (paper) on or after June 1, 2014, must include a letter of acceptance issued by a DLI.
- all primary and secondary institutions in Canada, which are automatically designated, unless the province or territory in which they are located has entered into an agreement or arrangement with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to designate specific educational institutions;
- at the post-secondary level, educational institutions designated by provinces and territories for the purpose of hosting international students (a n evergreen list of DLIs at the post-secondary level is available on the IRCC website);
- learning institutions that are administered by a federal department or agency.
Exceptions
The following foreign nationals are not required to attend a DLI:
- applicants who are exempt from the letter of acceptance requirement under paragraph R219(2)(a); and
- applicants who are eligible to apply to renew their study permits to complete their course or program of study at a non- DLI (i.e., where the transitional provisions apply).
DLI number
A new list of DLIs at the post-secondary level is available in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Unless the applicant is applying to renew a study permit under the transitional provisions, officers must not use the list under Educational institution to process applications received or postmarked on or after June 1, 2014. Instead, officers must use the DLIs list.
Jen MacLean