A designated learning institution is a learning facility formally allowed to take in international students. The provincial or territorial government accredits these institutions. The institution must comply with its subject's federal, provincial, or territorial, and municipal legislation as a precondition of acceptance.
Primary and secondary schools are all designated learning institutions; and post-secondary educational institutions must seek official government permission to take in international students.

Provinces and territories determine the eligibility of an institution to become a DLI. They work together with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to ensure only qualified foreigners get to enter Canada for study purposes. The designated institutes are given a DLI number and are regulated by the federal department or office.
The province where the institution is located also work closely with the Minister of Trainings, Colleges and Universities to ensure any program offered is in line with the larger objectives of the government. The institution should show it meets the regulations and requisites needed to deliver education and host international scholars.
Institutions having the designated learning status obtain the warrant by requesting. The designation reflects only the particular branch or campus location. All branches applied for ought to match the ISP requirements,2015. No institution can host international students for six months or longer without authorization.
Before an international student acquires a study permit, they first obtain a letter of approval through a designated institution. Some of the DLI has the option of a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that they give to their international graduates.
Post-graduation work permits give you access to jobs for any amount of hours anywhere in Canada. The permit is an open permit of between 8 months to three years. Contact the international education experts to determine if your DLI holds that option. You also have to learn for a minimum of eight months to be eligible for a PGWP.
Before selecting a designated learning institution, you must ensure that the institution has the necessary academic essentials. The qualification you acquire from the institute must be acceptable worldwide, not only in Canada.
The federal government can furnish both public and private institutions with the designation agreement. For a public assisted institution, the Institution's Designation Agreement lapses five (5) years following the agreement's actual's date. A private institution's Designation Agreement ceases eight (8) months succeeding the organization's next financial year-end.

How do you know if an institute is a designated learning institution?

To know if an institution is designated :

You may only get a study permit if you petition and get acceptance at a designated institution. You must also certify that you intend to vacate the country at the end of the permitted stay. You will show proof that you want to pursue the study program, and you shall sign up and continue to be registered at the school.
If you are an international student so far in Canada or have acquired the study permit, and your institution no longer has its designated learning institution status, you are permitted to carry on with your studies. You can opt to school within the institution or apply to another DLI. If you opt for another designated institution, then you will require a new study permit.

Can one switch programs internally in a designated learning institution?

Yes. Sometimes after enrolling in a course, you feel it's not the right fit or discovers better options. You are allowed to change the program you applied for in the same DLI. If the duration of the new program remains the same, then your study permit will not be affected. For any other changes, you must notify the immigration authority. You may need a second study permit or an extension.

Transfers

You can shift to a different institution as an international student on the condition that the new school is a designated institution. Remember, you are not eligible for a study permit if the institution is not selected. You can change the level of study too, for example, from a bachelor's to a master's degree. You will not need a new study permit, but you must notify the immigration authority of the change. If you need to shift to Quebec from another province, you must attain the must-have provisions of CAQ - Certificate of acceptance.
The transfer process from one institution to some other is thus:

• Log in to an online IRCC account.
• Once inside the website, find the Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer," then enter press transfer from the DLI number.
• Input the student application number next press on the search for my application selector.
• You will be requested for more particulars regarding your initial study permit application.
• Add the DLI number of the new institution you have applied to and the institution's student number found in the acceptance letter. And the day you will commence the new study program.
• Press on transfer after confirming your details.
• You will obtain a notification to confirm the transfer.

If you have a family member in Canada, a DLI number may not be necessary. The relative can acquire approval in writing to permit you to learn or work. Such instances enable you to obtain an open study permit. Some institutions in Quebec do not have a specific DLI but are designated learning institutions.
After the onset of COVID-19, international students who are going to Canada must attend a DLI with a Covid-19 readiness plan. Any institution not on the list cannot accept international students. Verify if your institution is on the readiness plan for Covid-19 and if you are qualified for exemptions at the DLI province before making travel arrangements. If your institution is not on the list, you may be turned back at the point of entry.
There are currently no schools approved in Nova Scotia or Nunavut. There are about 560 schools supported in Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island. As more institutions get their COVID-19 readiness plans approval, the IRCC updates the list.
Canada offers good opportunities in education at affordable rates compared to most top-tier countries. Once done with your study, you can apply to become a Canadian permanent resident under the express entry program.