Free LINC Classes: Learn English as a Newcomer in Canada

What Are LINC Classes?

If you have recently arrived in Canada and want to improve your English, LINC classes are one of the best newcomer resources available to you. LINC stands for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada. It is a free English language training program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program helps newcomers to Canada develop the language skills they need for daily life, work, and community involvement.

LINC classes are delivered by settlement agencies, community colleges, school boards, and other organizations across the country. The program covers everything from basic beginner English to more advanced levels. Whether you need to learn how to introduce yourself, have a conversation with your child's teacher, or prepare for a job interview, LINC classes can help you reach your language goals.

For newcomers in Quebec, the equivalent program is called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada), which provides free French language training. The eligibility rules and structure are similar to LINC.

Who Qualifies for Free LINC Classes?

LINC classes are available to adult newcomers who meet specific immigration status requirements. Understanding whether you qualify is the first step toward enrolling.

You Are Eligible If You Are:

• A permanent resident of Canada (landed immigrant)
• A convention refugee (someone who has been granted refugee status in Canada)
• A protected person (someone deemed in need of protection by Canada)
• A person who has been approved for permanent residence but has not yet received their PR card

You Are Not Eligible If You Are:

• A Canadian citizen - Once you become a citizen, you no longer qualify for LINC. However, many communities offer other free or low-cost English classes for citizens.
• A temporary resident on a visitor visa, tourist visa, or certain temporary permits
• A refugee claimant whose claim has not yet been decided - However, some provinces fund their own language programs that refugee claimants can access

The CLB Assessment: Your First Step

Before you can enroll in LINC classes, you need to take a language assessment to determine your current English level. This assessment uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system, which is the national standard for measuring English language proficiency in Canada.

What Is the CLB?

The Canadian Language Benchmarks measure your ability in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Your results are reported as a CLB level from 1 (beginner) to 12 (advanced). LINC classes typically serve learners from CLB 1 to CLB 8. If your level is above CLB 8, you may be referred to other advanced language programs or bridging programs that can help you prepare for employment or further education.

How to Get Assessed

The CLB assessment is free and takes about two to three hours to complete. You will be assessed on all four language skills. To book an assessment, contact a language assessment centre in your area. You can find your nearest centre through the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks website or by calling your local settlement agency.

In many cities, assessment centres are run by the same organizations that deliver LINC classes. For example, in British Columbia, organizations like ISSofBC and MOSAIC offer both assessments and LINC classes. In Ontario, assessment centres operate under the name CLARS (Centralized Language Assessment and Referral System).

What to Bring to Your Assessment

When you go for your CLB assessment, bring the following documents:

• Your permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Your passport or travel document
• Photo identification
• Your Immigration Medical Examination (IME) number, if available

How to Find LINC Classes Near You

LINC classes are offered in communities across Canada. Finding a class near you is straightforward with the right tools.

Online Search Tools

The best way to find LINC classes is through the IRCC-funded settlement services directory. Visit IRCC's Come to Canada services page or use the Immigration Services Near Me tool at services.immigration.ca. You can search by your postal code or city to find LINC providers in your area.

Contact a Settlement Agency

Settlement agencies are excellent resources for finding LINC classes. They can tell you which programs are available, help you register, and connect you with other newcomer resources at the same time. Many agencies offer LINC classes at their own locations. In British Columbia, you can visit the WelcomeAide programs page to learn about settlement services available to you.

Ask at Your Local Library

Public libraries in Canada often serve as community hubs and may host LINC classes or have information about classes in the area. Library staff can point you in the right direction.

In-Person, Online, and Blended Learning Options

LINC classes are available in several formats to fit different schedules and learning preferences.

In-Person Classes

Traditional in-person LINC classes are held at settlement agencies, community colleges, school board adult education centres, and community centres. Classes typically run Monday through Friday, and you can choose between full-time (usually 20 to 25 hours per week) and part-time schedules (usually 6 to 12 hours per week). Some centres also offer evening and weekend classes for learners who work during the day.

In-person classes have the advantage of face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates. They also provide opportunities to practice English in a social setting, which is important for building confidence and making friends in your new community.

Online LINC Classes

If you cannot attend in-person classes due to your schedule, location, or personal circumstances, online LINC classes are an excellent alternative. The program known as LINC Home Study (now often called LINC Online) allows you to study from home with the support of an instructor. You work on assignments at your own pace and connect with your teacher regularly by phone, email, or video call.

Online classes are particularly helpful for newcomers living in rural areas where in-person classes may not be available, parents with young children who find it difficult to attend a physical location, and people with health conditions or mobility challenges.

Blended Learning

Some LINC providers offer blended programs that combine in-person classes with online learning. This format gives you the flexibility of online study while still providing the social benefits of attending classes in person.

What You Will Learn in LINC Classes

LINC classes cover practical, everyday English skills that you need to live and work in Canada. The curriculum is designed around real-life situations that newcomers face.

Topics Covered in LINC Classes

• Introductions and everyday conversations
• Shopping, banking, and managing finances (see our guide to Canadian banking)
• Making appointments and using the phone
• Understanding the healthcare system and talking to doctors
• Enrolling children in school and communicating with teachers
• Renting an apartment and understanding tenant rights
• Applying for jobs, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews
• Understanding Canadian laws and your rights
• Using public transit and getting around your community
• Canadian culture, customs, and workplace expectations

At higher CLB levels, LINC classes also cover more complex skills like reading newspaper articles, understanding workplace documents, writing formal emails, and preparing for citizenship tests or further education.

Free Childcare at LINC Centres

One of the biggest barriers to attending language classes for parents, especially mothers, is childcare. The LINC program addresses this directly. Many LINC centres provide free childcare for the children of students while they attend class. This service is sometimes called LINC Care for Newcomer Children or simply LINC childcare.

What LINC Childcare Includes

LINC childcare is typically available for children who are not yet old enough to attend school (usually under age 6). The childcare is provided at the same location as the LINC classes, so you can drop off your child and attend class in the same building. The programs are run by trained childcare workers and often include activities that help young children develop English language skills and social skills in a Canadian setting.

Transportation Help for LINC Students

Getting to and from LINC classes can be a challenge, especially if you live far from the nearest centre or if public transit is expensive for your budget. Some LINC providers offer transportation assistance to help with this barrier.

Types of Transportation Support

Transportation support varies by provider and location, but may include:

• Transit passes or bus tickets: Some centres provide monthly transit passes or individual bus tickets to help cover the cost of getting to class.
• Mileage reimbursement: In some cases, if you drive to class, you may be eligible for a small reimbursement for fuel costs.
• Carpooling coordination: Some centres help connect students who live in the same area so they can carpool to class together.

Ask your LINC provider what transportation support is available. Even if formal support is not offered, settlement workers can help you plan the most affordable route to class using public transit.

Beyond LINC: Other Language Learning Resources

While LINC classes are an excellent foundation, there are additional resources you can use to continue improving your English.

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)

If your CLB level is above 6, you may qualify for Enhanced Language Training programs. ELT programs focus on job-specific language skills and are designed to help newcomers who have professional backgrounds integrate into the Canadian workforce. These programs often include workplace communication skills, industry-specific vocabulary, mentorship, and sometimes work placements.

Community-Based Language Programs

Many community organizations, churches, mosques, temples, and cultural centres offer free or low-cost English conversation circles and language classes. These are open to everyone regardless of immigration status. They are a great way to practice speaking in a relaxed, informal setting.

Library Programs

Public libraries across Canada offer free English language programs, including conversation circles, pronunciation workshops, reading groups, and one-on-one tutoring. Check your local library's website or visit in person to learn about available programs.

Online Resources

Several free online resources can supplement your LINC classes:

• LINC Classroom (linc-classroom.ca): Free online learning materials aligned with the CLB.
• LearnIT2teach: A platform with digital literacy and language learning resources for newcomers.
• Duolingo, BBC Learning English, and other apps: While not LINC-specific, these can provide additional practice at your own pace.

How LINC Connects to Your Settlement Journey

Learning English is not just about language. It is a gateway to every other part of your life in Canada. When your English improves, you can more easily navigate the healthcare system, communicate with your children's school, understand your rights as a tenant, and pursue employment or further education.

LINC classes also connect you with a community of fellow newcomers who share similar experiences. The friendships and support networks you build in LINC classes can be just as valuable as the language skills you gain. Many LINC students say their classmates became their first friends in Canada.

How to Get Started

Getting into LINC classes is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you are a permanent resident, convention refugee, or protected person.
2. Book a CLB assessment: Contact your local language assessment centre to schedule a free assessment. You can find centres through IRCC's settlement services directory or by calling a settlement agency.
3. Complete the assessment: Attend your appointment, bring required documents, and complete the assessment in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
4. Get your referral: Based on your CLB results, you will be referred to a LINC program at the appropriate level.
5. Register and start classes: Contact the LINC provider, register for classes, and ask about childcare and transportation support.

The entire process from booking your assessment to starting classes usually takes two to four weeks, depending on availability in your area.

Start Your Language Journey Today

Learning English through LINC classes is one of the most important investments you can make in your future in Canada. The program is free, the quality of instruction is high, and the support services like childcare and transportation help remove many of the barriers that might otherwise keep you from attending. Whether you are just starting to learn English or want to improve skills you already have, LINC classes can help you achieve your goals.

For more information about language training and other settlement resources, visit WelcomeAide. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can help you find LINC classes in your area and answer questions about the enrollment process in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how you can get involved in helping newcomers across Canada.