Key takeaways
- Check the school on IRCC’s DLI list, including the campus and whether it offers PGWP-eligible programs
- Check that your exact program leads to a PGWP: length, CIP code and language level
- Ask whether the school still has PAL spaces for your intake
- Programs at public-private partnership (curriculum licensing) campuses generally do not lead to a PGWP
- Changing schools later needs a new study permit and a new PAL
Why the choice of school matters so much
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a province or territory to host international students. All primary and secondary schools are DLIs. Post-secondary DLIs appear on IRCC’s searchable list.
Your school affects more than your education. It affects whether you can get a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). It affects how easy it is to get a provincial attestation letter (PAL). It also affects what happens if things go wrong. You also cannot simply switch post-secondary schools on the same study permit.
The 10-point checklist
- The school is on the DLI list. Search IRCC’s list by name or city. Note the DLI number. Your letter of acceptance must come from a DLI.
- The right campus is listed. The list shows campuses. Make sure the campus where you will study is the one on the list.
- The school offers PGWP-eligible programs. The list has a separate tab for DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs. IRCC says “not all programs offered by a DLI are eligible for a PGWP”, so check the program too.
- Your exact program can lead to a PGWP. It must be at least 8 months long (900 hours in Quebec). For college programs, check that the CIP code is on IRCC’s list. See PGWP eligible fields of study.
- The program length gives the PGWP you want. Programs of 2 years or more, and master’s programs, can lead to a 3-year PGWP. Shorter programs give a PGWP up to the length of the program.
- It is not a curriculum licensing (public-private) program. Programs at a private college that delivers a public college’s curriculum are generally not PGWP-eligible, with limited exceptions for students who started before certain dates in 2023 and 2024.
- The school has PAL spaces. Most college and undergraduate students need a PAL. Ask when the school runs out. See the study permit cap and PAL.
- You know the full cost. Get tuition and all ancillary fees in writing for every year, plus health insurance and co-op fees. Compare with tuition fees in Canada and the cost of studying calculator.
- Co-op and jobs fit your plans. Ask if co-op is required or optional, its fee, and placement rates. See co-op programs.
- Your acceptance is real. Apply directly through the school or its official portal. Check that any agent or consultant is licensed. See how to check a consultant’s licence.
Check the PGWP rules for your program
| PGWP rule | University degree | College program |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum length | 8 months | 8 months (900 hours in Quebec) |
| Language test | CLB 7 in all 4 skills | CLB 5 in all 4 skills |
| Field of study list | Not needed for bachelor’s, master’s or PhD | Needed if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024 |
| Online study | At least 50% of the program must be in class in Canada (programs from September 1, 2024) | |
You can only get one PGWP in your life. Read all the rules in the PGWP eligibility checker.
How IRCC checks your letter of acceptance
Since December 1, 2023, every post-secondary DLI must confirm each applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This was added to protect students from fake acceptance letters.
Warning signs:
- An agent sends you an acceptance letter for a school you never applied to
- You are asked to pay tuition into a personal account or a “processing” account
- Someone promises a guaranteed visa or a job
- The school’s name is close to, but not the same as, a well-known school
Pay the school directly and confirm the payment details on the school’s own website. See tuition payment scams and study in Canada scams.
What if you want to change schools later?
- New permit needed. To change post-secondary schools, you must apply to extend your study permit and get a new one before you start at the new DLI.
- New PAL needed. Since January 22, 2025, you need a new, valid PAL or TAL to change schools.
- Faster processing. IRCC aims to process extensions for students changing to a new post-secondary DLI in 60 days.
- Do not switch without telling IRCC. It breaks your permit conditions and your permit may be cancelled.
This makes the first choice of school and program more important.
What if a school loses its DLI status?
IRCC says that if your school loses its designation while you study there, you can keep studying until your current study permit expires. But you cannot extend your permit to stay at that school. If you have not started yet, you cannot start at that school; you need a new DLI and a new study permit.
IRCC also says DLIs that do not meet their obligations can be suspended from accepting international students. This is one more reason to check the list just before you apply and again before you travel.
Common questions
How do I know if a college is a DLI?
Are all programs at a DLI eligible for a PGWP?
Can I change my school after I arrive?
What happens if my school loses DLI status?
Do I need a PAL for every school?
Sources
- IRCC: Designated learning institutions list (modified October 5, 2026)
- IRCC: PGWP, who can apply (modified June 24, 2026)
- IRCC: About the PGWP (length)
- IRCC: PGWP field of study requirement
- IRCC: Changing your school or program (modified June 10, 2026)
- IRCC Help Centre: If your school loses its DLI status
- IRCC news release: Changes to the International Student Program (October 27, 2023)
- IRCC: Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)