A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an approved educational institution that can host international students by the province or territory it is bound to in Canada. So, if you plan to pursue your higher education in Canada, it’s important to ensure that your institution is on the approved list of DLIs, else your study permit stands invalid.
To get your study permit, you must have an acceptance letter from your approved DLI with a valid passport or travel document. You’ll have to submit these along with the financial proofs depicting you can support yourself and your family member (if any) during your course of study in Canada. In order to study in Canada, you will need to prove that you’ll leave the country by the end of your authorised stay. In addition, as a study permit holder you: Shall get enrolled, and remain enrolled, at a DLI until you complete your studies; and Shall actively pursue your study program.
Note: The above-mentioned conditions have to be followed as a valid study permit holder, even if you change your institution.
As a pre-requisite for PGWP, you need to have graduated from a DLI but do remember that not all DLIs make you eligible for the PGWP Program i.e., graduates from certain DLIs are eligible for a work permit. Besides, while graduating from an eligible DLI will not automatically get you a work permit, you are equally required to meet other criteria to obtain the PGWP. You can check with our international education experts if your institution qualifies for the same.