Learning moments – Definition of a “qualifying learning institute” for the purposes of obtaining credit for a foreign diploma for Express Entry applications.

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Hello fellow practitioners! This week’s question deals with the definition of a “qualifying learning institute” for the purposes of obtaining credit for a foreign diploma for Express Entry applications.

“Express entry application was refused as Applicant’s points were recalculated from 463 to 448 because of her Canadian private post-secondary institution diploma was not recognized as a degree, diploma, certificate or trade or apprenticeship credential form a Canadian public post-secondary institution or from a Canadian private post-secondary institution that operated under the same rules and regulations as a Canadian public post-secondary institution.

The institution is private but dully registered, has a DLI number, and it was a 2-year diploma. What is the exact definition of the “same rules” and what would be a way to argue this rejection?”

 

The IRCC website provides a comprehensive list of post-secondary Designated Learning Institutes (“DLIs”) that are approved by the various provincial and territorial governments to host international students. The link can be access here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html

While the link is intended to provide a list of DLIs for study permit applications and Post-Graduate Work Permit (“PGWP”) applications, it also serves as a useful tool for Express Entry (“EE”) applications. The fact that a public or private post-secondary institution has a DLI does not necessarily guarantee that the individual will be eligible for a PGWP or points under EE. However, if the institution offers PGWP eligible programs as per the IRCC list, then it likely meets the same criteria for points under EE.

Therefore, the first step would be to take a look at the IRCC website, see if the private post-secondary institute is listed as offering a PGWP eligible program. You will see on the IRCC website that there is a column on the right hand margin of the list of DLIs that indicates whether the DLI offers PGWP eligible programs.