Notifications regarding declined applicants
Certain international students may not qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if they have:
Previously received a PGWP.
Pursued English or French language studies as a secondary language.
Engaged in courses unrelated to academic or vocational advancement.
Participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program supported by Global Affairs Canada.
- Received funding from Global Affairs Canada, with the exception of recipients of a study in Canada scholarship who remain eligible for a PGWP.
Been recipients of the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile.
Participated in the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchanges Program.
Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
Completed the majority of their studies through distance learning modalities such as online courses, e-learning platforms, or correspondence.
Completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution physically located in Canada.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List
When applying for a study permit for Canada, applicants must include the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #), beginning with the letter “O,” on the study permit application form. However, there are cases where students may be exempt from providing a letter from a DLI or a DLI number on their application. These cases include, but are not limited to:
Students at primary or secondary institutions, as these schools are automatically designated and do not require a DLI number.
Family members of foreign nationals whose applications for a work permit or study permit are approved in writing before entering Canada. In such cases, the family member may obtain an open study permit.
Some institutions in Quebec designated by the provincial government may not have a unique DLI number.
Occasionally, DLIs may lose their designated status. If this happens, international students may be affected, as illustrated in the following examples:
If an applicant applies for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from an institution that is not a DLI, the study permit application will be refused.
If an applicant applies for a study permit with a letter of acceptance from a DLI, but the DLI loses its designated status before the study permit is issued, the student has three options:
1. Withdraw the application.
2. Submit a letter of acceptance from a different DLI.
3. Take no action, in which case the application will be processed based on the provided information and consequently be refused.
