Understanding DLI Status
To study in Canada on a study permit, your school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has verified that your school meets certain standards and is authorized to enroll international students. Not all schools in Canada are DLIs. Only designated institutions can legally enroll international students.
When you applied for your study permit, IRCC checked that your school was a DLI. Your permit was issued on the basis that you were studying at an authorized institution. If your school loses its DLI designation while you're enrolled, this creates a serious problem for your study permit status and your ability to continue your studies in Canada.
Understanding what DLI status means and what happens when it's lost helps clarify available options and the steps involved in protecting immigration status.
What Happens When a School Loses DLI Status
There are several reasons why a school might lose its DLI designation:
Closure or Bankruptcy
The school closes permanently or files for bankruptcy. The school can no longer operate or serve students, so IRCC revokes its DLI status.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
The school fails to meet DLI requirements such as maintaining accreditation, having adequate facilities, or complying with IRCC regulations. IRCC revokes the designation if the school fails an audit or inspection.
Financial Instability
IRCC discovers that the school has serious financial problems that threaten its ability to continue operations. Revoking DLI status protects students from schools that may close suddenly.
Violation of Student Protections
The school violates regulations protecting international students, such as policies on refunding tuition or misrepresenting the school to students. IRCC may revoke DLI status as a consequence.
What This Means for Your Study Permit
When your school loses DLI status, your study permit status is affected. However, the situation is not necessarily hopeless. IRCC recognizes that students enrolled at the time of designation loss should have transition support:
Transition Period
If your school loses DLI status, IRCC usually gives students a transition period to transfer to another DLI. This period allows you to complete arrangements to transfer without automatically falling out of status.
Transfer Requirement
Students are required to transfer to another DLI within the transition period. Continuing to study at a non-DLI institution violates study permit conditions and results in out-of-status status.
Study Permit Update
Once you transfer to a new DLI, your study permit conditions may need to be updated to reflect your new school. You may need to apply to update your permit or notify IRCC of the change.
Example Dialogue
Here is an example of a conversation you might have with your school's registrar and IRCC when your school loses DLI status. These dialogues show the language such as what you might discuss.
Student:
"I just heard that the school lost its DLI designation. What does this mean for my study permit and my enrollment?"
Language such as:
"I'm a mid-year student with one more year of my program. What are my options? Do I need to transfer to another school?"
Registrar:
"Yes, the school lost DLI designation last month. We are working with IRCC to help students transition. IRCC has given students until [date] to transfer."
Language such as:
"Can I transfer credits to another school? Are there schools that have agreed to accept transfers from our institution?"
Registrar:
"Yes, we have partnerships with several other DLIs. I can help you explore transfer options that will allow you to continue your program."
Language such as:
"What do I need to do with IRCC? Do I need to apply for a new study permit for the transfer?"
Your Transfer Options
If your school loses DLI status, you have several options to continue your studies:
- Transfer to another DLI: Find another designated learning institution offering a similar or related program. Many schools have agreements to accept transfers. Your current school should help facilitate this.
- Apply to complete at another institution: If your current school has a partnership with another institution, you may be able to complete your program there while transferring your credits.
- Request DLI restoration: In some cases, the school may appeal IRCC's decision or apply for restoration of DLI status. Ask your school about this possibility.
- Return to your home country: If transferring is not possible or desirable, you may need to return to your home country. This should be a last resort after exploring all transfer options.
Contacting IRCC
It is important to contact IRCC promptly when your school loses DLI status:
Notify IRCC of Transfer
Once you have accepted an offer from another DLI, contact IRCC to notify them of your transfer. You may need to update your permit or provide documentation of your enrollment at the new institution.
Request Confirmation
Written confirmation from IRCC that valid status is maintained during the transition period helps clarify whether transfers are permitted and what documentation is required.
Understand Your Obligations
IRCC information about transition deadlines and obligations clarifies the latest date for transfer to a new DLI to maintain valid status.
Document Communications
Records of all communication with IRCC, the current school, and the new school create a contemporaneous record of transfer efforts and confirmations from authorities.
Important Tips
- •Act quickly: Do not delay in responding to your school's loss of DLI status. There are strict deadlines for transferring, and missing them can result in falling out of status.
- •Work with your school: Your current school should help facilitate your transfer. Ask for assistance in finding another DLI and transferring your credits.
- •Confirm DLI status: When applying to another school, confirm that the institution is a current, active DLI. Do not assume a school is a DLI; check IRCC's list.
- •Understand transfer deadlines: Know your transfer deadline and plan ahead. Do not wait until the last moment to apply and be accepted at a new school.
- •Get help if needed: If you're having trouble transferring or have concerns about your status, consult with an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Documentation to Keep
Keep all documents related to your school's loss of DLI status and your transfer:
- ✓Notice from your school about loss of DLI designation
- ✓IRCC notice of DLI designation revocation
- ✓Transfer deadline and transition period information
- ✓Offer letter from the new DLI
- ✓DLI confirmation letter showing the new school is an active DLI
- ✓Credit transfer evaluation from the new school
- ✓All communications with IRCC regarding the transfer
- ✓Your study permit and passport
Keep both physical and digital copies of these documents. They demonstrate that you have taken appropriate steps to maintain your status following your school's loss of DLI designation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. DLI designation loss procedures and transition rights vary depending on the circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, consult with your school's international student advisor or a qualified immigration consultant.