For newcomers arriving in Canada without strong English skills, the first practical step is identifying what publicly funded language programs are accessible and how to enroll. Canada has a federally supported system for immigrant language training called LINC, alongside provincial programs that operate in parallel. The landscape varies significantly depending on the province and, within Ontario, sometimes by municipality.
The LINC Program
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered through designated service provider organizations. It is available at no cost to eligible permanent residents and protected persons who are 18 years of age or older.
Eligibility is not automatic. To access LINC, a newcomer first needs to contact a designated Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC) in their area. The LARC conducts a placement assessment using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) framework to determine the appropriate language level. Following assessment, participants are referred to classes that match their proficiency level.
LINC classes are delivered in-person and online. Bow Valley College, for example, offers LINC online for learners across Canada who cannot access in-person delivery. Childcare subsidy may also be available through some service providers for participants with young children.
Finding a LARC in Your Province
Ontario
Ontario has the highest concentration of LINC providers in Canada. In the Greater Toronto Area, organizations such as ACCES Employment, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, and various school board-affiliated adult learning centres offer LINC instruction. The IRCC "Find a Language Training Provider" tool on canada.ca allows newcomers to search by postal code.
- In Toronto, clients can contact the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) which runs LINC through its continuing education division
- Peel Region and York Region each have dedicated referral networks through local settlement agencies
- Northern Ontario communities may have fewer in-person options; online delivery through organizations like ACCES fills some of this gap
British Columbia
In BC, LINC is supplemented by the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) program, which focuses specifically on job-related English skills. The Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. are among the larger providers in Metro Vancouver.
The settlement sector in BC also includes the MOSAIC organization, which offers classes in Burnaby and Surrey in addition to Vancouver.
Alberta
Alberta Employment and Immigration funds the Language Training program for permanent residents who do not qualify for federal LINC funding. Calgary's Immigrant Educational Society (IES) and the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth are notable providers in the Calgary area. Edmonton serves newcomers through NorQuest College, which delivers LINC and ESL courses at multiple campuses.
The Assessment Process
The CLB-based placement assessment typically covers all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The process takes approximately two to three hours. Some centres spread the assessment across two appointments.
Results are communicated in CLB levels (1 through 12) for each skill. Placement in LINC classes is generally based on the lowest skill level, though some providers accommodate mixed-skills groups at certain CLB ranges.
| CLB Range | Description | Typical LINC Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Very basic survival communication | LINC 1 |
| 3–4 | Basic interaction in familiar situations | LINC 2–3 |
| 5–6 | Intermediate everyday communication | LINC 4–5 |
| 7–8 | Upper intermediate, workplace-ready | LINC 6–7 |
| 9+ | Advanced — LINC funding typically ends | Referral to post-secondary or EAP |
Community and Volunteer-Based Programs
Beyond LINC, many municipalities run conversation circles, library-based ESL drop-in sessions, and volunteer-led tutoring programs. Toronto Public Library hosts free English conversation groups at multiple branches. The Literacy Link South Central organization in Ontario coordinates tutoring for adult learners at lower CLB levels who need one-on-one support before joining a classroom setting.
Online and Self-Directed Options
For newcomers in areas with limited in-person access, or those working irregular hours, self-directed English study can complement formal instruction. The CBC Learning English page and the Government of Canada's "Learn English or French" section on canada.ca link to publicly available resources. The IELTS website publishes free practice materials for all four tested skills.
Duolingo and similar commercial apps offer convenience but do not align with CLB levels and are not recognized for immigration or employment assessment purposes. They may serve as supplementary practice between formal classes.
Next Steps
- Locate the nearest LARC using the IRCC language training provider search at canada.ca
- Book a CLB placement assessment appointment
- Receive a referral letter and contact the assigned LINC provider
- Attend the intake orientation and confirm class schedule
- Ask about childcare, transportation support, or online alternatives if in-person attendance is difficult