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What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
IRCC approves certain education providers as DLIs. A Provincial body usually gives accreditation to these institutions. A typical DLI has also a few years experience in the field of education. Each Designated Learning Institution has a DLI number. Here are some examples of actual DLI numbers:
Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta – O19390898172
Ashton College in Vancouver, British Columbia – O19219876582
Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Manitoba – O19021102272
Yukon College in Ross River, Yukon – O19604209351
Holland College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – O19220082122
Of course, these are only a few samples.
As you can see, each DLI number begins with the letter “O” followed by 11 digits. Sometimes a college or university has more than one campus. For example, the University of Toronto has three locations. One of them is in downtown Toronto, the other one is in Scarborough, and the last one is in Mississauga. All of them have the same DLI number though, O19332746152.
When you look up a college or university make sure your target campus has a valid DLI number, but how?
What is PGWP-eligible?
If you look at the DLI table, the last column says “Offers PGWP-eligible Programs.” PGWP stands for Post-Graduate Work Permit. Suppose you finish your studies in Canada. If the program you have taken is eligible for PGWP, you could apply for an open work permit (conditions apply). If you receive a PGWP, you may stay in Canada and work for any employer. This could potentially open doors for your permanent residency under some provincial programs or the Express Entry (especially the Canadian Experience Class subcategory).